Longtime Staff Member Retires

This program honors youth, grades K-12, who do positive things that make a difference. In doing so, they become positive role models for their peers.

Miatta was nominated by her teacher, Mr. Heaverly, for independently initiating positive and supportive relationships with kindergartners who have special needs at Bainbridge Elementary School.

“We have special needs kids at school. I push them on tire swings and play with them and make them feel welcome,” Miatta said. “I help them if they are lost and need to find their classrooms.”

Social worker Alison IzerBowman added, “She always helps without being asked.”

Miatta was celebrated at a recent awards ceremony, where she received a T-shirt, certificate of recognition and the opportunity to attend a Hershey Bears Game, where she and the other nominees will be recognized on the ice at intermission.

Giving students positive recognition for good deeds encourages positive behavior, helps kids feel good about themselves and improves school climate.

The Do the Right Thing is a collaborative effort among Elizabethtown Area Communities

That Care, the Elizabethtown local police departments and the Elizabethtown Area School District.

Miatta said she is excited to attend the Hershey Bears game. Alison said she plans to take Miatta to dinner beforehand, most likely at her favorite restaurant, Chick-fil-A.

Miatta said she appreciates the support she receives while staying at the children’s home.

“There are people there who care about you and support you,” she said. “I have a lot of friends.”

Donna Shaffer retired from the Masonic Children’s Home in December 2022, after serving 42 years as a private tutor and then as an educational coordinator.

During that time, Donna and her husband, who spent 30 years as a house parent, built a home in State College. Earlier in her career, Donna lived on the Elizabethtown campus. The couple have one son, Jordan.

Prior to coming to the children’s home, Donna spent 12 years teaching sixth grade at Juniata Valley Elementary School in Alexandria, PA.

She said she will miss spending time at the children’s home, especially working with “my seniors and college students.”

“That was always my mission – not just to get the kids to graduate high school, but to get into and through

“I enjoy building relationships with the children and really getting to know them,” she added. “That was the great thing about the children’s home. You could establish relationships and watch them grow.” college,” she said. “I have three [kids] this year graduating from college and one of my former kids attends Fordham Law School. She came and visited me in December.”

Donna earned her bachelor’s degree in health and fitness from South Dakota State University. She also attended graduate school at Pennsylvania State University, earning a master’s degree in curriculum and supervision education.

“It’s really hard saying goodbye to the kids, but I know we’ll keep in touch,” she said.

Donna, you will be missed!