Greetings,

November is an abbreviated month at EPAHS. You will notice a more streamlined set of information below, but there is still a lot to share.

In this monthly newsletter, we highlight our students’ and staff’s attributes and accolades, the most visible of which often occur outside of the classroom. They are all worthy of celebration. However, many classroom experiences do not readily translate to a newsletter because deep, meaningful learning is hard work. Annotating text and supporting a claim with evidence, persevering through an algebraic concept, and staying after school for assistance are non-glamorous examples of the type of work that happens at EPAHS on a daily basis. There is a lot to be grateful for at EPAHS. Students and staff who work hard is a big one.

Each November, schools across the Commonwealth receive results from the previous year’s PSSA and Keystone Exams. For the fourth consecutive year, EPAHS’s overall “building score” increased, indicative of overall achievement, achievement growth, attendance, and graduation rates. We know that our story is far richer than a number or data set, but these measurements matter. We can again expect this year’s score to be in the top quartile of schools in the capital area. How? In Algebra, the percentage of students who scored proficient or advanced jumped 10 points and was six points higher than the state average. In Biology, students took a seven-point jump and were 13 points higher than the state average. In Literature, results remained the same yet were 18 points higher than the state average. We have much work to do to prepare our students for their future endeavors. There are areas in need of improvement, for sure. While we are never satisfied, please take a moment to reflect on what these positive achievement results say about our students, staff, and community. East Pennsboro is a great place to be.

Very soon we will already talk about semester exams and next year’s course selection for. But first – a break. While we embrace the grind, from Labor Day until Thanksgiving, students only have two school days off. From November 23 through January 5, a span of 44 calendar days, students will be in session for 15 of them. We wish you a very Happy Thanksgiving and upcoming holiday season. Each day, I drive to school grateful to be the principal.

Happy Thanksgiving,

Dr. Bianchi

• 11/25: Conferences, No School for Students
• 11/26: Conferences, No School for Students
• 11/27-11/29: Fall Break, All Schools & Offices Closed
• 12/11: Winter Band & Chorus Concert, 7pm
• 12/23-1/3: Winter Break, All Schools & Offices Closed

Congratulations to our students of the month from October! From left to right, Aaron Strite and Jack Hoover.

Way to go Panthers!!!

On Friday, November 8th, we held Veterans Day programs at all of our schools. East Pennsboro Area High School presented programs to students, reflecting on the importance of Veterans Day.

Thank you to all of our local veterans who took the time to join us this morning. We thank you for your selfless service to our country!

On Wednesday, November 20th, our School Board members, and district & school staff participated in one of our favorite holiday traditions -- the annual holiday student meals! Students at every school throughout the district were served turkey dinners to celebrate Thanksgiving. Thank you to everyone who participated in this fun and festive day!

For the upcoming week, we're putting a spotlight on PREPAREDNESS in the classroom! This means that as a school, we will be focusing on rewarding students who show they are ready to learn and set up for success.

Please review with your students what PREPAREDNESS looks like in the classroom!

Here are a few specific behaviors we want to recognize:

Being on time to class

Having all necessary materials for each lesson

Staying organized with their work and supplies

Let's make an effort to catch students doing these things and reinforce positive behavior. Please use Panther Power Tickets to acknowledge students who are showing preparedness in your classroom.

Thank you for helping us create a supportive and organized learning environment. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

The EPAHS PBIS Team

PS - We need to shout out Gabe Woods for creating our Panther POWER weekly mission graphic!!!

Please speak to your students about our new Panther POWER expectations! Each letter in POWER stands for an expectation that we are all striving for each day as an entire school community. Students have been leaning about POWER expectations throughout each main area of the school building. We have a wonderful team of staff members that help run our PBIS program. We are going to start a student team in the near future to help us all work together as a team to make to our HS and even more amazing place to be!

We will continue to work as an entire school community to work on displaying the Panther POWER expectations this school year! Please remind your students about this expectation so that we can work together to become a POWER school!

Morning traffic has increased lately with colder weather and more student drivers. As was instituted last year, please drop students off as far forward in the parking lot as possible, especially between 7:22-7:27. If there is congestion where the blue diamond is depicted, please turn right. Please do not allow students to exit vehicles around the corner at the 'no drop zone.' In the future, we may add crossing zones for students to get from the senior lot to the building, but that would come at a later time. We will also soon be adding another breakfast line to curb a backup that can cause tardiness, and we may close the breakfast line a few minutes before 7:30, both in an effort to make sure students are in their classes at 7:30.

Hello CTC Families,

Upcoming Transportation Dates:

• 11/25: EPAHS Closed - CTC Students will need a ride to the HS to catch the CTC bus at 11:45 AM and to be picked up at EPAHS at the end of the day at 3:15 PM
• 11/26: EPAHS Closed - CTC Students will need a ride to the HS to catch the CTC bus at 11:45 AM and to be picked up at EPAHS at the end of the day at 3:15 PM
• 12/2: CTC Closed - Students go home at 11:45 AM

Please see the CTC school calendar for 24-25 school year.

See this link for more information on CTC scheduling:

https://www.cpatech.org/

The EPAHS Yearbook program is hosting a one-time sale to raise funds and clear space. Find unique gifts, complete your yearbook collection, or relive your East Pennsboro memories. Yearbooks capture the spirit of our school and become more valuable with time.

Please contact Hanna Schaffer at hschaffer@epasd.org to inquire about which years you are looking for. Pickup can be arranged through the school office or sent home with a current student, and payment can be cash or check made to EPHS. Buying multiple books? Make an offer!

Sale ends 12/20/2024!

Students designed a new restraint system for driver's education, intended to keep a passenger (egg) safe during a crash.

• Students learned about power tools and safety
• Students learned about types of building materials
• Students worked together with different staff members and teams in the building to make this project possible
• Students worked together to design and paint the ramp to resemble a road for Drivers Education Class

Way to go Panthers! Teamwork is everything!

On Friday 11/15, my Foundations of Fitness class celebrated the end of our Bocce unit by inviting Mrs. King's class to join us. Several of the students from Mrs. King's class are on EP's Unified Bocce team and are preparing for their season. Students from both classes were able to play together and learn from each other. A great time was had by all. One of my students said, "This was the most fun I've ever had playing bocce!"

Students were practicing their public speaking while taking turns reading stories to each other!

Energy, Power, and Transportation students just finished their Home Electrical Unit. They learned about the basics of electricity, electricity production, and electricity control. In the lab they built mini wall sections and then wired them to include a main breaker box, light switches, and power outlets. The goal of the unit was to give the students the knowledge and skills to be able to perform basic electrical repairs when they are in their own homes.

Students completed the “Flame Test Lab”. They are putting different solutions into a Bunsen Burner flame and making observations about the resulting colors. Students will also need to identify unknown solutions during the lab. We will relate this to electron energies later in the unit.

On Wednesday, November 13th, we held our first College Announcement & Signing Recognition program of the 2024-2025 school year. Congratulations to the following students:

Michael Thalassinos, PSU Berks, Baseball

Niko Thalassinos, Frederick Community College, Baseball

Lucas Martz, Frederick Community College, Baseball

Chase Deibler, Delaware, Baseball

Logan Newman, Bucknell, Track & Field

Congratulations to our students for committing to the next chapter of your education and athletic development. We are Panther Proud of your achievements on and off the field!

On 11/19 six students were selected through our THRIVE Program to go mountain biking for the day. We met the YBEC staff at Dickinson College in Carlisle, PA. From there we went over some of the basic skills that make Mountain Biking more enjoyable and effective for the rider. Following the practice we went to the new Pump Track and practiced those skills. At the pump track students and staff challenged themselves to ride the existing routes and create new ones. While doing this our goal would be not to pedal as much yet still increase our speed.

After lunch we rode the biking trails through the woods and dodged rocks, trees, and crazy squirrels! The day was perfect, the students showed grace, manners, and commitment to becoming better riders. With Mrs. Waldman and Mr. Standland, we laughed together and bonded as we challenged ourselves to work on new skills. Thanks to district support, local administration, and YBEC for these alternative learning opportunities. These students represented themselves and our district well!

On Thursday, November 7th the Pennsylvania Restaurant & Lodging Association Educational Foundation hosted a one-day Hospitality Career Exploration Workshop at the Holiday Inn Harrisburg-Hershey to help central Pennsylvania students explore the 'World of Career Possibilities' in the hospitality industry. Students from the high school received an introduction to the hospitality industry with a day full of fun and hands-on learning. Activities included a culinary session, baking & pastry session, lunch and etiquette class. In addition, students had the opportunity to participate in breakout groups, which focused on event planning, hotel tour & an industry networking session. Thank you to our staff for providing this wonderful opportunity for our students!

Hello students! My name is Mrs. Sanders and I am your high school's LMLC librarian. I wanted to inform everyone about the resources we have available to you both physically and digitally. Attached you will find two flyers, one highlighting our most valuable resources and another one highlighting one specific digital resource called PowerLibrary. Throughout the year, I will be sharing an informational online flyer spotlighting certain digital resources for both students and staff to discover and hopefully inquire the LMLC how to utilize.

The LMLC does have a new website, developed last year, housing all your research needs. Digital resources that will be highlighted can be found through the LMLC Resources webpage. My hope is for everyone to check out the website and see the vast array of both physical and online opportunities the LMLC provides. You can find the LMLC website through Clever (see the attached picture to locate).

At the LMLC, both the wonderful Mrs. Boston and myself live by our mission: "EMBRACE CURIOSITY – READ BOOKS – BE HAPPY!". We strive to provide a space that helps students embrace curiosity, want to read more books thus learn new information, and just overall feel happy meaning less stressed. We hope you come down to visit us because we are a really cool place to use. We even have a free coffee/hot chocolate bar (must bring your own drink cup though). If you have any questions or just want to visit, please come visit us sooner rather than later :-).

GO EP PANTHERS!!!

Mrs. Sanders

Info.Tech.for Bus.Ed.

EPAHS Librarian

East Pennsboro Area School District

Coffee with a Counselor is a new initiative offered by the school counselors to assist students in small groups regarding various topics such as the college application process, NCAA eligibility, work force, and more. Seniors will be able to sign up in the School Counseling for the Class of 2025 Google Classroom.

On Wednesday, September 25th, East Pennsboro's class of 2027 sat for the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB). The ASVAB is given to all 10th graders because the results from anyone in 10th grade are not valid for recruitment/enlistment purposes. The ASVAB is also a very robust career tool that is used for prediction of academic and occupational success in several industries. Lastly the ASVAB fulfils an alternative graduation requirement. Like the PSAT and SAT, the score from the ASVAB can provide evidence of post-secondary readiness to the PA Department of Education.

If you have any questions, please contact your students school counselor:

Last names A-F (and CTC) -Mrs. Hillary Miller hmiller@epasd.org

Last names G-O -Mrs. Christina Zeller czeller@epasd.org

Last names P-Z -Mr. Mark Bohlen mbohlen@epasd.org"

Starting in October, Mr. Bohlen will be holding NCAA Workshops for the sophomore, junior, and senior athletes considering playing college sports. These workshops are for students only and will be covering NCAA requirements; current earned NCAA credits; and creating academic plans to meet NCAA requirements. Sessions are currently limited to 5 students. More can be added if demand exceeds availability.

Workshops will be held on:

• December 4th and 11th

Encourage your students to sign up today! Freshman sessions will be held after winter break during course selection.

Students can sign up using the form linked in the school counseling Google Classroom and below:

https://forms.gle/EUZYWxou27uFaY1B7

Dave Payne, a school counselor from Cumberland Perry Area Career & Technical Center (CPACTC), visited the high school on Tuesday, October 8th to share information about their programs to our 9th grade students.

A representative from Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA), visited East Pennsboro Area High School on Tuesday, October 1st for our Financial Aid Night to present information to students and families.

If you couldn't make it, click the link to her presentation below:

For Attendance in 12th Grade: 1 dose of MCV (Meningococcal) on the first day of 12th grade. If one dose was given at 16 years of age or older, that shall count as the twelfth-grade dose. The student will be excluded on August 30th without evidence of vaccination.

Letters have been sent out if your student is missing their twelfth-grade dose. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me at 717-287-8764 or bhawk@epasd.org.

Illnesses: If you are sick, stay home. You may be sent home if you show signs of a sore throat, headache, stomachache, or cough.

Medication Policy: If you need medications during the day, you will need to provide a doctor’s note stating that you need the medication during school hours. The medications should be brought In by an adult/guardian in the pharmacy-labeled container. Empty containers may be sent home with the students, but the refills will need to be brought in by the parent/guardian.

Parents/Guardians - Please remember you have the option to submit absence notes, doctor, tardy, early dismissal, and educational trip forms to our high school attendance mailbox at ephsattendance@epasd.org

EPAHS accepts attendance notifications (excuse cards, absence notes, etc.) via email. Parents can email ephsattendance@epasd.org as a means of reporting your child’s absence. Paper notes will still be accepted as well. A reminder that all excuse notifications are required to be submitted within three school days of your child’s absences.

Excused Absences:

When a child is enrolled in the district’s educational program, the student is subject to the

Pennsylvania State Attendance Laws. The Board considers the following conditions to constitute an excused absence from school:

1. Illness

2. Quarantine

3. Student required court attendance

4. Prearranged doctor and dentist appointment for the time of appointment and appropriate travel time only

5. Authorized school activities

6. Pre-approved educational tours and trips, not school-sponsored

7. Other urgent reasons, including funerals, that apply to the child and approved by the building administrator

Parents/guardians are expected to telephone the school when students are absent for any reason. In addition, a written excuse from a parent/guardian is required for each absence.

Unexcused Absences:

An unexcused absence shall be defined as:

• Absence from school with parent/guardian consent for reasons other than those considered

excusable.

• Leaving school during school hours without permission from the administrator.

• Absence from school without knowledge/permission of parent/guardian (truancy).

• Absence from school without knowledge/permission of school authorities.

• Absences from school without written parental excuse submitted within 3 school days of the absence.

Please refer to the Student Handbook to review more specific information about our attendance policies. Contact our school office if you have any questions about our attendance policies or procedures.

Automated Absence Alert:

The Automated Absence Alert system was implemented to inform parents when their students are absent from school. If/when your student is absent or does not report to their classroom they are recorded as absent. When the daily attendance is submitted electronically, an automated message will be sent to a phone identified by the parent/guardian. This call will normally occur by approximately 10:00 am. Should you have questions or concerns you may contact the attendance secretary by calling: East Pennsboro Area High School (EPAHS), at (717) 732-0723.

We are Panther Proud to celebrate Aaron Angelo who broke the school receiving record! Congratulations Aaron!

East Pennsboro’s Steel Bayer repeats as Capital Player of the Year amid Mid-Penn boys soccer All-Star picks and East Pennsboro’s Madison Gill was named the Mid-Penn Capital girls soccer Player of the Year and All-Star picks.

We are Panther Proud!

We are Panther Proud of our EP Marching Band as they wrapped up their competition season this past weekend. The championship performance resulted in a 3rd place finish, which is the first time the EP Marching Band has medaled in the past decade. From director Coleman Lidle: “The band’s growth throughout the season has been inspiring. Each performance showcased the students’ increasing skill, artistry, and teamwork. As the season comes to a close, the band looks forward to building on this success and continuing to elevate their performance to new heights.”

Congratulations to all of our students, and a sincere thank you to our staff for an incredible season!

Open 24 hours for all of your EP Spirit needs!

Track and Field is doing a wreath fundraiser -- right in time for the holiday season! The order forms are below, and the pick-up date is on December 3rd at the high school. Thank you for your support of our students!

Please create a Sapphire Parent Portal account. There are several benefits to creating a parent portal account:

• You can access your child's report cards when they are published
• You can keep track of your child's attendance
• You will be able to receive important notifications about your child

To create a parent portal account:

• Go to our website www.epasd.org
• Hover over the "Students" tab
• Click "Sapphire Community Web Portal"
• Click "Create a Web Portal Account"
• Follow the remaining on-screen instructions to enter your information.

If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Suzette at sdavis@epasd.org. She would be happy to help!

There are two lunch sessions at EPAHS. Students can deposit lunch money into their accounts by putting it in an envelope in the main office or online with School Bucks. Our district partners with Chartwell’s K-12. Please visit our district’s food service page for more information, including information on free and reduced price meals.

Click the link for a parent-friendly guide to navigating your student's Google Classroom.

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1GSel8xwNYfbQhodBdogt9RC_TZpolTXb2TlZLQKwb_0/edit?usp=sharing

Did you know that in addition to accessing your student’s lunch account, you can also pay fees through MySchoolBucks?

If you have a newly enrolled student in grades 6-12, an invoice will be created for the initial device insurance fee. Please check your student’s account on MySchoolBucks.com. Please select School Store, then School Invoices to view all device invoices.

If your student has needed their device repaired, the insurance fee will cover the cost to repair the device. A new insurance fee will be applied to cover the cost of future incidents. Full details and payment information are available in our District’s 1:1 Device Guide. (epasd.org - parents & guardians - EPASD 1:1 Device Information - EPASD 1:1 Device Guide) To check your student’s account, please go to MySchoolBucks.com, select School Store, and then School Invoices to view all device invoices.

Payments can be mailed to the Administration Center: EPASD — Business Office, 890 Panther Parkway, Enola PA 17025. Please include the student number on the check.

The Cumberland County Library System is offering virtual tutoring sessions. Click the link for more information.

www.cumberlandcountylibraries.org/tutor

CHIP covers uninsured children and teens up to age 19 regardless of income.

CHIP covers uninsured children and teens up to age 19 – and no family earns too much to qualify. With nearly 128,000 uninsured children in Pennsylvania, this is great news for families!

CHIP provides quality, comprehensive health insurance for routine doctor’s visits, prescriptions, dental, eye care, eyeglasses, mental health, and much more. CHIP covers uninsured kids who are not eligible for Medical Assistance. For many families, CHIP is free – for others, it is low cost.

Many more resources can be found on the CHIP website at www.CHIPcoversPAkids.com, under CHIP Resources.

Email: tbianchi@epasd.org
Website: https://www.epasd.org/east-pennsboro-area-high-school/
Location: 425 West Shady Lane, Enola, PA, USA
Phone: 717-732-0723
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EastPennsboroAreaHigh/