Hamburg Area High School Newsletter
October 2025
Dear Hamburg Families,
As we settle into the fall season and the weather starts to cool, I want to take a moment to thank you for your continued support in making this school year a success. With the first marking period ending on Monday, October 27, it’s an important time for students to stay focused and finish strong. This newsletter includes a few updates and reminders as we move through what’s always a busy stretch of the year.
Fall is a great time to reflect and appreciate the progress we’ve made so far. Our students continue to do great things in the classroom, on the field, and in the arts, and we’re excited to keep that momentum going through the rest of the year.
Warm regards,
Ryan McGinley
Principal
BCTC Open House Events:
Students and their families are encouraged to attend one of the BCTC Open House events. Explore programs, meet instructors, and see career and technical education in action! Click here for more BCTC Open House information.
BCTC East Open House-
Monday, October 27 5:00pm-8:00pm
3307 Friedensburg Road, Oley
BCTC West Open House-
Thursday, October 30 5:00pm-8:00pm
1057 County Welfare Road, Leesport
The 2026-2027 BCTC application process has begun!
Mrs. Del Conte will host a BCTC Application Workshop during FLEX on Thursday, October 23 in the library to help students complete their applications.
Other application workshops will be available in November.
Students may also meet with Mrs. Del Conte to receive help with their BCTC application.
DEADLINE to submit 2026-2027 BCTC Applications for consideration during the first-round of acceptance decisions is Wednesday, December 3, 2025!
BCTC receives well over 1,000 applications annually!
Prepare your application EARLY!
PFEW News
This past summer, 22 Hamburg Area High School students participated in Pennsylvania Free Enterprise Week (PFEW). Hamburg ranked among the top in the state for the number of students who attended in 2025! Hamburg has now been named a member of the PFEW Platinum Club. Special thanks to the Hamburg Area Education Foundation for contributing $1,170 to help our Hamburg students attend the amazing summer experience!
Kutztown University Early College Academy
Kutztown University Early College Academy
is a partnership with school districts to provide early access to college.
has two tracks -Education or General Studies
Current Juniors interested in careers in Education or in other types of degrees
Unique combination of Dual Enrollment and a Professional Field Experience (PFE)
How is KU Early College Academy Different from other kinds of Dual Enrollment? High school seniors will come to KU for almost ½ a day. They will take two courses each semester, equivalent to a minimum of 12 credits, or one semester of college, prior to graduation. Students will be in a cohort to meet other potential college students, developing a sense of connection and community to support their transition to college. Join the Webinar on November 4 to learn more! Whether you’re curious about how ECA works, want to hear from current participants, or are ready to take the next step, this webinar is for you! You’ll get all the details about program benefits, application steps, and how ECA can help you reach your academic goals. Webinar Details: • Date: Tuesday, November 4th • Time: 7:00 pm • Location: Online-Register NOW by visiting https://www.kutztown.edu/admissions/apply/first-year-students/early-college-academy.html
Interested in Playing Sports in College?
DI or DII Level- Students must qualify with NCAA eligibility (High School GPA of 2.3 in core subjects. PS classes or higher). College scholarship eligible.
DIII Level- No high school eligibility rules to qualify to play, but must meet standards to be admitted to the college. No scholarship offered.
COLLEGE APPLICATION INFORMATION & TIMELINE
Students who are interested in furthering their education after high school should use the various resources within the High School and online to follow through with their plan. Click picture > to open slides. Senior Timeline & RESOURCES Click
- What is your career path?
- What level of education or training is required?
- Search for schools or training using various search programs like Niche, College ScoreCard or Collegeboard/BigFuture. OR do a simple Google Search!
- Complete an on-campus or virtual VISIT. Learn more about the college.
- Apply online and follow the directions (application, send transcript, app fee, essay, recommendation, deadline, etc).
- Apply for Financial Aid
- Wait for admission decision and then make a decision for the best fit and most affordable.
REQUEST YOUR HIGH SCHOOL TRANSCRIPT
FINANCIAL AID
Students attending college must complete the FAFSA. This process is started online and must be completed with parent(s)/guardian(s). The form opens annually in October. Use social media pages to get the most current information.
PHEAA is the state's financial aid organization that assists eligible Pennsylvanians with affording higher education. All students should also apply for state grant funds each year they are enrolled in college.
SAT REGISTRATION
SAT Exam Dates 2025-2026
Register online. Review Bluebook, the online exam program. All students with Chromebooks have the Bluebook app downloaded and need to be logged out of computer to access the app.
- November 8, 2025 (Registration Deadline 10/24)
- December 6, 2025 (Registration Deadline 11/21)
- March 14, 2026 (Registration Deadline 2/27)
- May 2, 2026 (Registration Deadline 4/17)
- June 6, 2026 (Registration Deadline 5/22)
SAT Preparation!
Do not take an exam without studying. Use Collegeboard resources or sign up for a SAT prep course.
PSU Berks SAT Prep Click $300 plus textbook
Mondays in person, 6:30-8pm
October 20-December 1
January 26-March 9
April 13-June 1
Supporting Teens in Building Healthy Relationships
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about the importance of safe, respectful, and healthy relationships. High school is a key time for teens to learn what those relationships look like — with friends, family, and dating partners. Parents and caregivers play a big role in shaping how young people understand communication, respect, and boundaries.
Here are a few ways you can support your teen:
Listen without judgment – Create space for your teen to talk about friendships or dating without fear of getting in trouble.Model healthy communication – Show what it looks like to handle disagreements calmly and respectfully.
Talk about boundaries – Help your teen understand that it’s okay to say “no” and to expect respect from others.
Encourage balance – Remind them it’s healthy to keep time for school, hobbies, and friends outside of a relationship.
Discuss red flags – Talk about warning signs like jealousy, control, or pressure — and remind them these are not signs of love.
By keeping open and caring conversations going, you’re helping your teen build confidence and strong, healthy relationships that last a lifetime.
Resources for Parents
Love Is Respect – www.loveisrespect.org
A national resource offering education and 24/7 chat, text, and phone support about healthy dating relationships.
HealthyChildren.org – www.healthychildren.org
Created by the American Academy of Pediatrics, with articles on communication, emotions, and teen development.
CDC: Teen Dating Violence Prevention – www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention
Information on how to prevent unhealthy relationship patterns and promote safety.
National Domestic Violence Hotline – 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
Free and confidential help for anyone who feels unsafe or needs relationship support.
Safe Berks – www.safeberks.org
Provides free, confidential services to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault in Berks County, PA. Services include a 24/7 hotline, emergency shelter, counseling, legal assistance, and community outreach.
24/7 Hotline: 844-789-SAFE (7233)
Text: SAFE BERKS to 20121
Main Office: 255 Chestnut Street, Reading, PA 19602
Blood Drive
We’re also proud of everyone who participated in September’s Blood Drive, which collected 11 liters of blood in partnership with Miller-Keystone. Our next drive will be held on March 3rd, and we’re already aiming to double our collection—so mark your calendars!
Holiday Dance
Looking ahead, our next big event will be the Holiday Dance on Friday, December 5th. Ticket sales will begin on October 27th and conclude on Friday, November 7th. Please remember that guest forms must be submitted before ticket sales start if you plan to bring someone from another school. We’re looking forward to a fun evening to celebrate the season together!
Senior Class Trip
The class trip is to Wildwood, New Jersey on Friday, May 29, 2026. The bus will leave HAHS at 6 am and students will have free time at the beach and surrounding area until 5 pm. We will return to school around 9 pm. The $40 deposit is due December 12 and will be returned to the student when they get on the bus on May 29th. Students need to plan and pay for their activities for the day. If you wrote a check, please remember we are not cashing these checks unless the student does not show up.
Class of 2026 graduation
Friday, June 6th, 2026, at 6:00 pm
High School Gymnasium
News and Tips from the Nurse's Office
There are still many students who do not have their health history update completed in Sapphire. Please take the time to do this as soon as possible.
All 11th grade students are required by PA State law to have a physical examination. If you have not yet submitted this form, it is due now! If you need the physical form, please check out the Health Services page on the HASD website. It would be located under forms. You can also have your student stop by the nurse’s office to pick up a paper copy.
We are planning on completing the annual health screenings for students in grades 9-12 in November. These screenings will include height, weight and vision. The 11th grade students will also have their hearing checked as well. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this, please reach out to me.
REMINDER: Students should not return to school until they are fever free x 24 hours WITHOUT fever reducing medicine!
Melissa Dunn M.Ed., BSN, RN, CSN
Certified School Nurse
Hamburg Area High School
610-562-2241 ext. 2560
Spotlight on Music and Performing Arts News & Events
HAMA
Any parents interested in joining the Hamburg Area MUSIC ASSOCIATION (HAMA) parent organization, please email Hama.Officers@gmail.com
HAMA meets in the HS Band Room every 3rd Tuesday of the month at 7pm.
DRAMA
Buy your tickets now for Mary Poppins on November 21,22 & 23. Here is the direct link to buy tickets: https://hasdhawks.seatyourself.biz
CHOIR
Trebles performed at a local concert with the Blue Mountain Heritage Chorus on October 5
