Hamburg Area High School Newsletter
December Holiday Edition 2025
Dear Hamburg Families,
As we head into the heart of the winter season, I want to take a moment to celebrate several recent highlights from our high school community. Our fall musical, Mary Poppins, was a tremendous success. The cast, crew, and directors put on an outstanding production that showcased the talent, dedication, and hard work of our students. We are incredibly proud of everyone involved.
We also recently wrapped up the Winter Keystone Exams. I appreciate the efforts of our students and staff for their focus, flexibility, and support throughout the testing window. A special shoutout to Mrs. Machamer for helping coordinate our Keystone testing.
In addition, our High School Holiday Dance was a fun and festive evening that allowed students to relax, connect, and enjoy the season together. It was great to see such positive energy and school spirit. Student Council once again knocked it out of the park by organizing an amazing event. It also looks like we may have found our new disc jockeys for future dances!
Rounding out the month was our Winter Concert, which was truly amazing and highlighted the musical talents of our students while bringing our community together.
Thank you to our staff, students, and families for making December such a successful and memorable month. I wish everyone a restful holiday season and a happy New Year.
Warm regards,
Ryan McGinley
Hamburg High School Principal
BCTC News
2026-2027 BCTC Application Update
When will I know if I was accepted into BCTC for next school year?
*BCTC anticipates that all first-round applicants will be notified during the beginning of February.
What should I do if I have questions about my acceptance to BCTC or about being placed on the BCTC waitlist?
*Please see Mrs. Del Conte in the library should you have any questions regarding your BCTC decision.
May I still apply to BCTC for next school year?
*Yes! BCTC will continue to accept applications, but please be aware that many of the program choices will be on a waitlist. There is always a possibility that you will get your first choice program, but it's always a good idea to have a solid backup p
Attention Juniors!!
Junior year flies by faster than you think — and before you know it, senior year is right around the corner. Now is the perfect time to start thinking about what you want that final year to look like: the classes you’ll take, the goals you want to reach, and the experiences that will set you up for life after graduation.
One powerful way to make senior year count is through an internship experience. Internships give you real-world experience, help you explore careers you’re curious about, and let you build skills colleges and employers love. Starting to think about internships now means more options, less stress, and a senior year that’s both meaningful and memorable. Below is information about internship experiences for Hamburg students.
Professional Field Experience (PFE)
What is a PFE?
Hamburg Area High School students wishing to gain experience in a particular career field may do so through the Professional Field Experience or PFE. This program connects classroom learning with career opportunities and serves as an important component of the high school experience. Our PFE program provides students with opportunities to explore careers that match their personal interests and skills while gaining real-world experience and mentorship in an occupational field. These hands-on experiences allow students to be better prepared for their future and gives them the flexibility to experiment with different occupations before they invest their time and money on further training or education after high school.
Who can participate in a PFE?
PFE is open to junior and senior students, may be paid or unpaid, and can be customized to meet a student’s schedule and intended outcomes. The PFE may also include training or a post-secondary component. PFE students are released from school for 1 or more periods a day to attend their PFE at a business, non-profit organization, school, or other workplace setting.
Why should students complete a PFE?
Students participating in a PFE gain hands-on real-life work experience in a career field of their choosing. This work experience is a great boost to a resume or college application as it sets students apart from their competition. PFE gives students a chance to try something different while still in high school. Most people would never purchase a car without test driving it. PFE is a student’s way of test driving a career before they invest their time and money to pursue an occupation that may or may not be the right fit for them.
To discuss Professional Field Experience (PFE)
contact Mrs. Del Conte at shadel@hasdhawks.org or
stop by her office in the library for more information.
Healthcare Opportunities
There is still time to apply for healthcare internship opportunities for next school year. A healthcare internship can be an incredible way to make it truly meaningful. It gives you hands-on exposure to real medical settings, helps you explore careers like nursing, medicine, therapy, or public health, and shows colleges and employers your commitment to helping others. A healthcare internship during senior year isn’t just a resume boost — it’s a chance to discover what you’re passionate about while making a real impact. Please note that internship scheduling varies, but student athletes can participate in their sports as well as these programs. See Mrs. Del Conte, shadel@hasdhawks.org for assistance!
The healthcare internship programs below are still accepting applications.
Tower Health
High School Internship Program-This program provides a supplement to conventional classroom training by introducing students to a broad range of non-clinical, practical experiences through the work environment at Reading Hospital.
Applications will open on December 1 and will be due on January 8, 2026
Geisinger St. Luke’s/St. Luke’s University Health Network
Junior Volunteer Program for High School Students (age 14 and older)
Learn key soft skills needed for the workplace while learning about healthcare and other non-health related careers.
Volunteer Information: Click Here for St. Luke's Volunteer Website
Online Application: Click Here for St. Luke's Volunteer Application
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, but we encourage you to apply early to secure your preferred location and placement.
REQUEST YOUR HIGH SCHOOL TRANSCRIPT
FINANCIAL AID- FAFSA
Students attending college must complete the FAFSA. This process is started online and must be completed with parent(s)/guardian(s). Visit the HS Counselor Webpage for more helpful links.
PHEAA is Pennsylvania'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.
PHEAA https://www.pheaa.org/
Application Opens December 1st! The BCCF manages hundreds of scholarships for Berks County residents. Take the time to filter through the scholarships that you are eligible for.
The BCCF consists of a Board of caring individuals that provide services and opportunities for the residents of Berks County. Check out all the great things they do for our towns!
Student Scholarships.org
Great one-stop webpage that gathers local, state, and national scholarship opportunities. Create an account to filter scholarships to your situation in order to target the scholarships you are eligible to apply to. There are thousands of scholarships across the US, but you might only be eligible for a handful based on college major or program (trade or other), GPA, community service, etc.
Esther Ludwig Scholarship Deadline- Jan 15, 2026 by 5:00pm
For Hamburg residents.
Students should have an Unweighted GPA of 80% to apply funds to a two year college or trade school OR 85% to apply funds to a four year college.
Students must attend college, full time, at an accredited institution.
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.
- 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
January 26-March 9
April 13-June 1
Community Food & Support Resources
Supporting our families is a community effort. Below is a list of local food pantries and distribution programs available to help households access nutritious food and, in some cases, clothing and hygiene items. Please feel free to share this information with anyone who may benefit.
Fleetwood Area Food Pantry (F)
110 West Arch Street, Fleetwood, PA 19522
Phone: 610-223-8200
Website: mapping.littlefreepantry.org/pantry/219
Eligibility: All families welcome
Food Distribution: First Thursday • 4:30 p.m.–6:00 p.m.
Friend, Inc. (F)
658 Noble Street, Kutztown, PA 19530
Phone: 610-683-7791
Website: friendinc.org
Eligibility: All families welcome
Food Distribution:
Third Thursday • 6:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.
Third Friday • 10:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Hamburg Community SDA Church (F & C)
22 Willow Road, Hamburg, PA 19526
Phone: 610-562-7200
Website: hamburgsda.org
Eligibility: All families welcome
Food Distribution:
Third Sunday • 12:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
Clothing Distribution:
Mondays & Tuesdays • 1:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.
Keystone Military Families (F & C)
331 Main Street, Shoemakersville, PA 19555
Phone: 610-698-2122
Website: keystonemilitaryfamilies.com
Eligibility: Military families
Food & Clothing Distribution:
Wednesdays & Saturdays • 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Salvation Army – Hamburg (F, C & H)
700 S. 4th Street, Hamburg, PA 19526
Phone: 610-562-8440
Website: salvationarmyusa.org
Eligibility: All families welcome
Clothing & Hygiene Products:
Contact the office for available hours and requirements.
Northern Berks Food Pantry
711 Windsor Street, Hamburg, PA 19526
Phone: 610‑562‑8250
Eligibility: Serves community residents
Operations / Distribution:
Christmas Date: 12/16/25
2026: 4th Tuesday of the month
Need Additional Support?
If your family is experiencing food insecurity or other basic-needs challenges, please reach out to your school social worker. We are here to help connect you with resources and support.
Hailey Ilgenfritz-610-562-2241 ext.1744
Senior Class Trip
Yard Signs
The first yard sign order was placed and signs recently were distributed. The next order goes in on December 18th.
Class of 2025 graduation
Friday, June 6th, 2025, at 6:00 pm
High School Gymnasium
News and Tips from the Nurse's Office
As we move into the winter season, this is a reminder of how important good handwashing is in helping prevent the spread of illness. Washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially before eating, after using the restroom, and after coughing or sneezing can make a big difference in keeping our school community healthy. Thank you for doing your part to take care of yourself and others.
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 finishing up the last few annual health screenings for students in grades 9-12. Parents will be notified by a letter in the mail if your student did NOT pass their vision or hearing screening. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this, please reach out to me.
REMINDER: It is cold and flu season. If your student is ill, they should not return to school until they are fever free x 24 hours WITHOUT fever reducing medicine and symptoms significantly improved!
Melissa Dunn M.Ed., BSN, RN, CSN
Certified School Nurse
Hamburg Area High School
610-562-2241 ext. 2560
