Milton Hershey School Family Focuses on the Future

As a life-sustaining organization, Milton Hershey School never closed its doors during the COVID-19 pandemic to the MHS family. MHS continues to fulfill its mission while implementing safety measures to maintain the health and well-being of students and staff with a Health and Safety Plan that includes social distancing, frequent handwashing, and wearing face masks.

“MHS has and continues to do a tremendous job in keeping the whole community safe,” said Eric Ritenour, MHS Houseparent. “As a whole, MHS has gone above and beyond to stay ahead of the difficulties many are facing outside of the MHS bubble.”

MHS students from student home Green Acres on the first day of school.

MHS is more than just a school—it’s a family. Parents/sponsors play an important role in the success of their student. This year, houseparents are helping students stay connected with family virtually by sharing photos and videos through private social media platforms and communicating via Zoom as much as possible.

According to houseparents Eric and Rhonda Ritenour, student home Green Acres’ parents/sponsors have been thankful for the MHS Health and Safety Plan and are encouraging their girls to enjoy their experience.

Parents/sponsors of student home Green Acres with their MHS student(s).

“MHS has made my children and I feel safe during the COVID-19 pandemic by implementing strict regulations, mitigation strategies, and encouraging all to socially distance and wear masks at all times,” said Paulina Harris, an MHS parent/sponsor.

Harris has reassured her daughter, Serenity to focus on the positive this school year and believes she is in the right place to succeed.

“My daughter tells me all the time that she is very happy at MHS and thanks me for enrolling her,” Harris said. “I’m thankful to MHS, her houseparents, and everyone that is influencing my daughter to become her greatest self and stay safe while doing so.”

Learn More About MHS Health and Safety Measures

Milton Hershey School is carefully following federal and state guidelines, CDC considerations, and MHS-established health and safety protocols to keep our campus a safe, nurturing, and healthy place. Any group photos of unmasked subjects were taken prior to the face coverings mandate.