East Pennsboro Area High School
MONTHLY COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER - May/Summer 2024
Where we aim to know each student by name, face, and personal story.
Message from Dr. Bianchi, Principal
Greetings,
Happy first week of summer, and congratulations to the Class of 2024. Our capstone moment - our crowning achievement - occurred last Friday evening when 179 graduates earned their high school diplomas. We are so proud of them.
I just want to say a few thank you’s to close the year. Thank you to parents and community members for your support of this great high school. Thank you to our staff for all that you do for students each day. Thank you to my administrative colleagues and the Board of School Directors. We aim to run one of the finest institutions in the area. Thank you to our students. You are the reason that our institution exists. Thank you to all for welcoming me as your principal.
As I draft this message, our hallways are dark, and the school is scarcely populated. There is much work to do before August to ensure that our students are able to develop and challenge themselves in the 2024-25 school year. Please see the information below regarding student schedules. We will send a message in July to reiterate how we intend to plan for the start of the year.
East Pennsboro is a great place to be. I appreciate that our high school is a rallying point in our community. Not all high schools can say that. I can’t wait to return next year, but in the meantime, I wish everyone a great summer.
Best wishes,
Tim Bianchi
Principal
2024-2025 Schedule Changes
We started building the 2024-25 master schedule at the end of January with the student course selection process. In March, we provided an opportunity for students, teachers, and parents to verify course selections and level placements. As a result of these processes, we determined teacher assignments and space utilization. As such, we must honor decisions made from January through March. At the same time, needs change and interests fluctuate. The following information outlines the conditions by which we will alter student schedules before the start of the 2024-25 school year.
Below are scenarios in which we will consider a schedule change:
- There is an empty period in the schedule
- A student was placed in an elective that was not a primary or alternative request
- A student wants to step up an academic level (i.e., General to Academic)
- A student’s college or career aspiration have substantively changed
- A student opts for an external (off-campus) program or course (i.e., dual enrollment, work study, internship, late arrival/early dismissal privilege)
Below are scenarios in which we will not consider a schedule change:
- A student wants to drop an academic level of rigor against the teacher recommendation (i.e., Honors to Academic)
- A student wants to change their lunch period
- There is a preference for or against a specific teacher
The following dates will serve as time when students can work with counselors to solve schedule conflicts:
- Wednesday, July 31 11 &12
- Thursday, Aug 1 9 & 10
- Wednesday, Aug 7 11 & 12
- Thursday, Aug 8 9 & 10
EPAHS Graduation 2024
Board President Harold Rittner
Superintendent Dr. Michael Robinson
Principal Dr. Timothy Bianchi
Marwa Sbai - Valedictorian's Address
Joshua Angelo - Faculty Honor Speaker
IMPORTANT CALENDAR UPDATES!
- 6/6: Report Cards Posted in Sapphire
- 7/31: Schedule Change Day for 11 & 12 Grades
- 8/1: Schedule Change Day for 9 & 10 Grades
- 8/7: Schedule Change Day for 11 & 12 Grades
- 8/8: Schedule Change Day for 9 & 10 Grades
- 8/21: First Day of the 2024-2025 School Year
EPASD 2024-2025 School Calendar
See Below:
CTC Upcoming School Schedule
Hello CTC Families,
Please see the CTC school calendar for 24-25 school year.
See this link for more information on CTC scheduling:
Course Selection Information
Course Selection Presentation
We will be holding meetings during Advisory for students interested in learning more about scheduling, career, and college opportunities.
See the Course Selection Night presentation by clicking the link below:
Course Selection Video's
Morning Drop-off
We are experiencing increased traffic on campus between 7:20 and 7:30 am. If you are dropping off, please pull to the furthest point possible in your lane before dropping students off in order to alleviate a backlog. This map depicts the current drop-off route. We are considering other options and will post them in our monthly newsletter Friday. From 7:00-7:20, traffic remains relatively light.
Student Spotlight
Senior Awards Night
On Wednesday, May 22nd, we recognized our seniors for their academic achievements and scholarship awards. The evening culminated with the announcement of our top two seniors -- Valedictorian Marwa Sbai & Salutatorian Tulsi Patel! Congratulations to all of our seniors -- you truly make us Panther Proud for the graduating Class of 2024!
Senior Slideshow 2024
Please enjoy this amazing slideshow that was created for our seniors!
Big Brothers Big Sisters Ceremony
Earlier this week, Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) held a ceremony to recognize graduating seniors from 18 schools across the Capital Area who have participated in their programming. We are Panther Proud to join in recognizing Makayla Carchidi, Kenza Guerch, Ella Harter, Ella LeTersky, Ava Love, Jasmina Nicholson, Tulsi Patel, Emily Pearson, Carter Strup, and Brian Wallace! EPAHS Senior Jasmina Nicholson was also recognized as a scholarship recipient of The Hall Foundation. Congratulations!
East Pennsboro Baseball vs Softball Fights Hunger Challenge
In our annual “East Pennsboro Baseball vs Softball Fights Hunger Challenge”, baseball was victorious in collecting the most food items to be donated to Panther Pack! Thank you to both teams, coaches, parents, and even our opponents who took the time to donate from each team!
EPAHS LMLC
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
Counselor Corner
Career & Technical Center
Dave Payne, a school counselor from Cumberland Perry Area Career & Technical Center (CPACTC), visited the high school on Thursday, October 5th to share information about their programs to our 9th grade students. Students who are interested in attending CPACTC next school year should aim to turn in their application by the first-round deadline of December 22nd.
Here are some upcoming nights hosted by CPACTC:
- November 1st: Career Exploration Night for Arts & Technology, Health Sciences, Human Services & Hospitality
- November 2nd: Career Exploration Night for Advanced Manufacturing, Construction & Maintenance, Transportation & Logistics
Financial Aid Night
Diona Brown, a representative from Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA), visited East Pennsboro Area High School on Wednesday, October 11th 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:
PA Area Health Education Centers: Virtual Career Awareness Program
For any student interested in health careers, the Pennsylvania Area Health Education Centers is providing a virtual health careers awareness program. The program is completely free and a good opportunity to explore possible careers. Please see the attached flyer for more information on deadlines and schedule of events for February 2024:
Children's Grief Awareness Day
PA Youth Advisory Council Application
The PA Youth Advisory Council (YAC) is currently accepting applications! YAC gives teens a voice to make a difference in health policy and programming that affects them and their peers. Teens will join the YAC for two years to provide feedback on youth-related healthcare, practices and policies impacting youth across PA. By participating in YAC, teens will gain real-world experience collaborating with the Department of Health and other youth-serving agencies, add skills and volunteer experience to their resume, and receive a certificate of participation for college and job applications. The online application (due November 3rd, 2023) and more information can be accessed through the attached flyer and application:
Shippensburg University Instant Decision Day
On November 8th, a college admissions representative from Shippensburg University will be visiting East Pennsboro Area High School for an "Instant Decision Day". That means you will have the opportunity to meet with the college admissions representative for a 10-minute session to review your application and be notified of your admittance THE SAME DAY! No waiting!!
The benefits of an Instant Decision Day:
- No waiting for your acceptance letter!
- This is non-binding, meaning you do not have to attend Shippensburg, even if you are accepted
- You will have the opportunity to discuss your application and make your case about why you should be accepted to their school
- You will have the chance to ask them questions about their school
Here is what you will need to be prepared for your Instant Decision Day:
- A completed online application to Shippensburg a few days in advance
- A copy of your high school transcript on November 8th
- Dress appropriately for an important (but brief!) interview on the 8th
To sign up for this Instant Decision Day, please complete this Google Form by TUESDAY, Oct 31st:
Notes from our Nurse
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.
Attendance Information
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
EPASD Attendance Procedures
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.
2023-2024 School Year Calendar
Click the link below for the 2023-2024 School Year Calendar:
https://www.epasd.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=2166191&type=d&pREC_ID=2198708
Create a Sapphire Parent Portal!
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!
Athletics
Baseball State Tournament
The Panthers won their first game in the state tournament! 11-4 vs Thomas Jefferson in a Home game to begin their State Championship run. Unfortunately, they lost yesterday in their next state tournament game to Indiana. Indiana walked off the Panthers in the bottom of the 7th. Heartbreaking loss but a tremendous effort!
Great season Panthers we are proud!
PIAA District III 4A Baseball Champions
The Panthers defeated ELCO 9-7 and will move onto states this coming Monday! Game information will be sent out when it is received. Great job Panthers!
Hall of Fame Scholar Athlete
Congratulations to Samantha Kil and Paul Sanderson for representing East Pennsboro well as our West Shore Hall of Fame Scholar Athlete nominees! Also congratulations to Jay Gainor, former wrestling coach and teacher who was inducted yesterday. We are EP proud!
Travers Award
We are very proud of our male and female Travers Award nominees Kayla Gelotte and Breckin Swope! We had the opportunity to celebrate their accomplishments and the hard work of all the nominees this afternoon at the Travers Award luncheon. We are Panther proud!
State Track and Field Championship
Congratulations to Breckin Swope for finishing 2nd in the state in pole vault at today’s PIAA Track and Field Championship! Great work Breckin! We are Panther proud!
Penn Relays
2nd place at Penn Relays with a jump of 16’0”. Great work Breckin!
Panther Proud
Results from today’s Mid Penn Track and Field Championship:
Jasmina Nicholson- 1st in high jump
Ella Letersky- 3rd in long jump
Breckin Swope- 2nd in pole vault
Myel Cornelius- 2nd in 100 hurdles
Girls 4x100- 4th
Andrew Namatka- 4th in 3200
Josh Angelo- 4th in discus
The @EP_Panthers Logan Newman missed most of the first month of the season while recovering from a football injury. Josh Angelo missed all of last spring due to hip issues. They both qualified for the state's Class 3A discus throw.
Tennis Mid Penn
Congratulations to Deepesh Magar on placing 2nd in Mid Penn AA Boys #1 Singles! His championship match lasted three sets of hard-fought tennis. Deepesh also qualifies for the District 3 Tournament!
Athletic & Activity Highlights
Events
EPAHS General Information
Parent's Guide to Google Classroom
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
Device Insurance Fees
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.
Tutoring Resources
East Pennsboro Area High School
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/