October 3, 2025

Our Bobcats laced up and gave it their all at this year’s Bobcat Bolt Jog-a-Thon! Students ran laps with enthusiasm and teamwork, aiming to see which class could log the most laps. The day was filled with energy and laughter—especially during the staff inflatable race, where teachers sported hilarious inflatables and ran their own lap to see who was the fastest! Check out our Bobcat Bolt highlight reel in case you missed the fun! Our top classes with the highest lap average are:

• KINDERGARTEN: MRS. TREMBATH'S CLASS
• 1ST GRADE: MS. GREIM'S CLASS
• 2ND GRADE: MS. KOHLBRENNER'S CLASS
• 3RD GRADE: MS. SISKO'S CLASS
• 4TH GRADE: MRS. DEAN'S CLASS
• 5TH GRADE: MRS. ZARR'S CLASS

Thanks to the incredible support of our families and volunteers, we have already surpassed our fundraising goal of $27,437—funds that will go directly toward field trips, classroom improvement funds, and more. With just a few days left until fundraising closes, we’re confident we will even surpass our stretch goal of $28,000!

A huge thank you to our volunteers for giving their time and to the families who came out to cheer on our runners. And a special thank you to our Fundraising Captain, Mrs. Heidi Mulherin for leading such an amazing event. It was a day full of fitness, fun, and community spirit!

October 17 - Half Day for Students (12:10 Dismissal)

October 18 - PTO Trunk or Treat

October 20 - No School for Students

October 31 - Halloween Parade and Class Parties

Over the next seven weeks, we’ll be sharing a series of short articles to help families learn more about standards-based grading (SBG) and how it strengthens communication of student progress. Each week will focus on a different aspect of SBG, with the goal of helping families better understand how their child’s growth, strengths, and needs are measured in relation to grade-level standards. We’re excited to partner with you in this important transition, which puts student learning and growth at the center.

Standards-based grading is more than just a new gradebook—it’s a new way of looking at student learning and communicating progress. Instead of focusing on percentages or scores like “10/10,” this approach shows how your child is progressing toward the end-of-year grade-level standards.

This shift also includes a new assessment system that gives teachers clearer, more detailed information about your child’s developing abilities. With this insight, teachers can better design instruction that meets the needs of all learners.

You’ll see these changes reflected in two ways:

• An ongoing gradebook in Parent Portal that updates throughout the trimester.

• A revised trimester report card that clearly communicates your child’s growth in relation to the standards.

This new approach helps us focus on what matters most: your child’s learning journey and their progress over time. Stay tuned next week as we dive deeper into standards-based grading and what it means for your family.

On October 1, your child will bring home their beginning-of-year benchmark assessment reports in reading and math. These reports provide a baseline snapshot of your child’s current skill levels at the start of the year. Please keep in mind that these are just a few data points, and part of a much broader picture we use to support your child’s learning.

Inside your child’s packet, you will also find a letter that explains the purpose of each assessment and how teachers use this information to personalize instruction and set meaningful learning goals.

If your child qualifies for Title I reading or math support, you will also receive a letter with more information about this additional layer of support.

Thank you for your continued partnership as we build on a strong start to the school year!

We’re excited to introduce our district’s new Portrait of a Graduate, which highlights the durable skills our students will carry with them long after they leave our classrooms. These traits—problem-solving, adaptability, empathy, responsibility, and communication—will be woven into daily instruction and learning experiences here at Fern Hill.

This Portrait was developed by a district committee with representation from families, staff, students, and community members, and we’re grateful for their time and dedication. We look forward to sharing how these skills are coming to life in our classrooms and helping students grow into thoughtful, capable learners and leaders.

If you are a family member of a current Fern Hill Elementary student or staff member and you are a veteran or currently serving in the Armed Forces, we would like to invite you to our annual Veterans Day Celebration on Tuesday, November 11, 2025. We want to have the opportunity to say THANK YOU for serving our nation! Guests can arrive at 8:45 AM. We will begin with refreshments in the cafeteria with your Fern Hill host from 8:45 - 9:15 a.m. Following refreshments, we will move to the gymnasium for a school-wide assembly. If you can attend, please fill out the form below so that we can be prepared for your attendance. Thank you for your service, and we look forward to seeing you there.

Click here to sign up a veteran!

Please contact our Veterans Day coordinators, Mrs. Stefano (astefano@wcasd.net) or Mrs. Heckenberger (mheckenberger@wcasd.net) with any questions.

Calling all 4th and 5th graders who love a challenge—our Unicycle Club is here! Led by Mr. Usilton, students will build balance, focus, and determination as they learn one of the toughest (and most exciting) skills in elementary school: riding a unicycle!

• Meeting Dates: Wednesdays – Nov. 5, 12, 19 & Dec. 3, 10, 17

• Time: 4:00–5:00 PM (pick-up at the library entrance car line)

• Spots: Limited to 12–15 students (lottery if interest exceeds capacity)

• Required: Students must bring their own helmet (limited helmets available if needed).

Permission slips are due by October 15. Questions? Contact Mr. Usilton at musilton@wcasd.net.

Get ready to roll—on one wheel!

Race day was a blast—our runners gave it their all, and the cheering section made it unforgettable. Huge thanks to our set-up crew and parent volunteers—we couldn’t have done it without you!

We’ve already passed our first fundraising goal of $23,000 and unlocked our stretch goal. Can we top last year’s record of $28,000? Donations close Monday, Oct. 6 at 11:59 PM—be sure to register online or turn in cash/coin donations to the Main Office. Leaderboard information can be found HERE.

Next week’s celebration will be epic: Inflatable Obstacle Course Recess + Giant Bubbles! We need volunteers to help with recess duty and our top class 'stunts.' Please sign up here (visitor clearances required).

Join us for one of the favorite events of the year: Fern Hill’s Annual Trunk or Treat, Saturday, October 18 from 6-7:15 in Fern Hill’s parking lot. New this year- we’ll have Chick-fil A on site for food purchases! Tickets are on sale now and are $5 per child, age 5+. Use the links below to get tickets, sign up to help, or register your trunk. We can’t wait to see you there!

• Click here to register your trunk
• Click here to sign up to help at the event
• Click here to purchase tickets

Don’t miss Fern Hill PTO’s annual Pumpkin Decorating Contest!

We're seeking decorated (un-carved) pumpkin designs for our school pumpkin patch contest. Drop off completed designs in the front of school between 10/13 - 10/17 in order to qualify. For more information and to sign up click here. Please contact Jessica Mootz @ Jessicamootz27@gmail.com with any questions.

Want one less thing on your to-do list in May? Order your yearbook early and save 10%—but hurry, the discount ends October 31st!

Click here to purchase [web.treering.com]

Earning money for our school has never been easier! All you need to do is download the Box Tops app, create an account, and scan your grocery receipt. Easy and quick! Last year we earned $500 from Box Tops for Fern Hill!

Explore the outdoors and have fun with friend too! Scouting America (formerly Boy Scouts of America) has activities and adventures for Boys and Girls from Kindergarten to 12th grade!

On Wednesday, September 10th at 6PM, Cub Scout Pack 122 (chartered to the East Goshen Elementary School HSA) will hold their "Join Scouting Night" event at East Goshen Park near the amphitheater. Join the pack this year will be Troop 21B and Troop 76G - so middle and high school kids are welcome to come too! We will be teaching some fire safety while roasting marshmallows, exploring a model campsite, building edible fires and launching paper rockets. Bring your family out to learn about the Scouting program and the fun activities each unit has lined up for this school year.

Questions? Email cubscoutpack122.westchester@gmail.com.

We love having our families volunteer throughout the building. In order to volunteer, adults are required to have their clearances on file with us. Clearances can take 4-6 weeks to acquire, so please be sure to get the process started if you're looking to volunteer this Fall.

If you are planning a family trip, please complete the Trip Approval Form to notify the Main Office and gain approval for your trip. The Vacation Request Form will also always be available on our Fern Hill Website under the "For Parents" section.

• Fern Hill Website
• PTO Website
• Vacation Approval Request Form

• FHE: Kindergarten Lunch Duty
• FHE: 1st Grade Lunch Duty

Jennifer Southmayd

Principal

Email: jsouthmayd@wcasd.net
Website: https://www.wcasd.net/fhe
Location: 915 Lincoln Avenue, West Chester, PA, USA
Phone: 484 266 1600
Twitter: @FernHillES