Mars Area School District is on winter break through Jan. 1. Student will return to remote learning on Jan. 4.

The district has extended its current remote learning procedure through Jan. 8. All students will need to utilize remote learning through that date.

The district is hoping to reopen its schools to students Jan. 11. However, that decision will be based on Pennsylvania Department of Education and Pennsylvania Department of Health recommendations as well as Butler County COVID-19 transmission rates at that time.

For more information, visit www.marsk12.org.

Gov. Tom Wolf has transferred $145 million from the Workers' Compensation Security Fund at the Pennsylvania Insurance Department into the general fund to allow the Legislature to use the money to issue grants to businesses adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.“Business owners and employees have worked hard to protect their customers and their communities during this pandemic,” Wolf said. “Our business owners and workers have been forced to make sacrifices because of COVID-19, and they need and deserve our support.”

The Art Club at Mars Area High School has offered its own support for the arts.The club made monetary donations to both the Carnegie Museum of Art and the Pittsburgh Glass Center.“The kids thought it was a good time to give to some of the cultural institutions that we all enjoy as all are suffering financially right now,” said Erin Sloane, Art Club sponsor.For details, contact Sloane at 724-625-1581.