February 13, 2026

This week was one of those weeks that reminds us why we love being part of this community.

Our classrooms were filled with excitement, laughter, and so many small acts of kindness as students celebrated Valentine’s Day together. From heartfelt notes and creative card boxes to simple moments of inclusion and friendship, our Bobcats truly showed what it means to care for one another. The joy in the building was real — and contagious.

A highlight of the week was our 5th Grade Valentine’s Day Dance Party. This annual tradition never disappoints! Our oldest Bobcats danced the afternoon away, sang at the top of their lungs, and made memories that we know they’ll carry with them. Watching them celebrate together was such a special way to close out the week.

Next week starts Glow Week in the Art Room, check out the flyer below!

A quick reminder that there is no school on Monday, February 16 in observance of Presidents’ Day. We look forward to seeing everyone back on Tuesday, February 17, refreshed and ready for another great week.

Mar 2 - 6 - Read Across America Spirit Week

Feb 16 - Schools Closed - President's Day

March 18-19 - Spring Parent-Teacher Conferences

• No School for Elementary Learners

March 20 - Schools Closed K-12

We are excited to host our FHE Heritage Day on Thursday, May 28, 2026, from 9:00-3:30 and are looking for parent and guardian volunteers to participate. Heritage Day is a full-day event where students learn about and explore cultures from around the world. Volunteers may share their culture through materials, presentations, food, pictures, or by teaching students about customs and traditions. If you are interested in volunteering, please fill out the Google Form linked below. We would love to celebrate and learn from our school community.

Spring parent-teacher conferences will take place on March 18–19. Please note that the schedule differs slightly from our fall conferences, and we want to be sure families have the correct dates reflected on the district calendar.

• There will be no school for elementary students on March 18–19 for conferences
• There is no school for all K-12 students on March 20 for Eid Al-Fitr

While the format is a bit different, our conference schedule still provides ample time for teachers to connect with all families. The Spring Parent-Teacher Conference sign-up will be shared on February 20, and families may choose to meet in person or virtually via Microsoft Teams.

Fifth-grade families will also receive a letter outlining your child’s 6th-grade core academic placements prior to conferences so you have that information in advance of your meeting.

We look forward to meaningful conversations as we partner together to support each student’s growth.

Our 5th graders just finished their Fugett Field Trip and it is time for us to begin thinking and acting on the 5th to 6th grade transition to ensure a smooth experience for your child and family. While they will always be bobcats in our eyes, they are soon to be Fugett Cougars, so we want to be sure you have all the information you need regarding the course selection process, parent information session, and more.

• Please click here to read the letter provided by Dr. Sara Missett (Director of Elementary Education) that shares all content and invitations for upcoming 5th to 6th grade events.

  
  

Dates to Know:

• February 19 - Families receive district letter with their child's core academic placements and music course selection

• March 18-19 - Parent/Teacher Conferences

• May 6 - Parent Information Night hosted by Fugett Middle School

Middle School 101 Follow-Up
In case you were not able to join us on Wednesday evening for Middle School 101, we are sharing the recording here: Middle School 101 Parent Information Night. Additionally, the Question-and-Answer function on Microsoft Teams was not accepting questions that were being posed by our families. To ensure that we support your transition as best as possible and your family has a question about our middle school program, please submit it here.

In WCASD’s full-day kindergarten, learning begins with play. Through hands-on, play-based experiences, children build language skills, confidence, creativity, and friendships while learning how to work together and try new things.

It’s a joyful foundation that supports your child’s growth today and sets them up for success in the years ahead. We can’t wait to welcome your family to the WCASD Way!

If you have used child-sized cleats or shin guards, please consider donating them. Real Futbol Club is a local soccer club dedicated to bringing soccer to families in our area. Mrs. Christine Miller and Mrs. Lisa Baker will have boxes in their rooms for any donations. We will take donations until February 13. Thank you!

It’s not too early to start thinking about how you’d like to be involved at Fern Hill next year! The PTO Board is a fantastic way to make a difference and be involved in our many fun events and fundraisers! Several spots will be vacant with our fifth grade families moving on. If you have any questions please reach out to Megan Kazanjian at meghankaz@gmail.com

Calling all Fern Hill parents! We are looking for parents to join together to start a Fern Hill Chapter of West Chester Unplugged! Please reach out to Ali Haas at ahaas19603@gmail.com if you’re interested in joining. This is for parents interested in learning about and setting boundaries for technology with our kids, both at home and in school.

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!

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