Roller Pride

5th and 6th grade Student Council members recently had an exciting opportunity to visit the Pennsylvania State Museum and the Capitol Building. During the trip, students explored Pennsylvania’s rich history, learned about state government, and discovered the importance of civic leadership through interactive exhibits and a guided tour of the Capitol.

Representing Steelton-Highspire with pride and integrity, our students asked thoughtful questions and stayed fully engaged throughout the day. This experience was not only a meaningful leadership opportunity but also a powerful way to connect classroom learning to the real world.

Last week marked the annual "World History Medieval Shield Project" in Mr. Witek's 9th grade History class. Friends in previous classes recall their shield experience with fondness and remind current students how their shield was 'best'.

The competition among classes, peers, and former classes gets intense. The purpose is to create a personalized Medieval heraldic shield that blends both elements of style of 11th century Crusader Europe and modern day individual student symbols of values and identity.

On Monday, November 17th, The Foundation for Enhancing Communities (TFEC) hosted a Scholarship Bootcamp for our students. We were thrilled to have more than 20 seniors participate in this valuable event!

These interactive, small-group sessions are designed for high school juniors and seniors to gain essential skills for college planning. During the bootcamp, students learned how to:

• Create a personalized scholarship timeline
• Effectively search for scholarship opportunities
• Make informed decisions about college, majors, and finances
• Write strong, competitive essays
  …and much more!

Our Elementary Student Council proved that you are never too young to make a difference! This month, these young leaders stepped up to help organize their annual Thanksgiving Food Drive.

Working side-by-side with our school staff, the Student Council members helped coordinate donations to ensure families in our community have a wonderful holiday meal. Their hard work, organization, and generous spirits are a perfect example of what our school stands for.

A huge thank you to the Student Council, the staff, and everyone who donated items. Your kindness will make this Thanksgiving special for many neighbors.

On Saturday, November 22, the Steelton-Highspire Roller Pride Marching Band kicked off the festive season in style! Our talented musicians were selected as one of only six bands to compete in this year’s Harrisburg Holiday Parade.

Representing the district with energy and excellence, the band filled the streets of Harrisburg with music, bringing holiday cheer to thousands of spectators. Being chosen for this exclusive lineup is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our students and band staff.

Congratulations to the marching band for a fantastic performance and for representing Steel-High on the big stage!

An idea that began in 2021 has grown into one of our school’s most dynamic programs. What started as a vision from 7th-grade teacher Mr. McIntosh during the 2022–2023 school year—a theater program built from scratch—has become a thriving creative community. With district approval and limited resources, Mr. McIntosh enlisted support from colleagues Ms. Anderson (8th grade) and Ms. Roedts (high school), and together they launched the inaugural production: Clue! The show was a resounding success, igniting student enthusiasm for theater classes.

Momentum carried forward the next year when Mr. Ranaglia joined as theater instructor, enabling the team to stage both a play and a musical—complete with recorded music. Soon after, Ms. Clemens, our district psychologist, brought her costuming expertise, rounding out a talented production team: Mr. Ranaglia as musical director, Ms. Anderson as play director, Ms. Roedts as producer and choreographer, and Mr. McIntosh as technical director. Their collaboration ensures rehearsals run smoothly while fostering creativity and adaptability.

Each season has raised the bar. This fall’s production of She Kills Monsters featured a professional fight director teaching stage combat and swordplay. And for the upcoming spring musical, You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, the company will perform with a live orchestra for the first time—a major milestone.

The journey hasn’t been without challenges. Every decision set a precedent and shaped future expectations. One cherished tradition began in the first year, honoring the only senior in Clue! Today, many of that original cast are seniors themselves—a testament to how far the program has come.

More than a stage, this program gives students a voice, a community, and a chance to discover their creativity. As the curtain rises on the next chapter, the possibilities are endless.

Need help with homework or want to boost your study skills? Students in grades 7-12 are invited to join us for goal setting, enhanced study skills, and homework help!

When: Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays | 3:00–4:00 PM

Where: HS Media Center

Contact: Mr. Gilman – MGilman@shsd.k12.pa.us

Don’t miss this chance to succeed!

Join us for the Steelton-Highspire School District Book, Toy & Clothing Swap!

• Thursday, December 4th
• 5–6:30 PM
• Steelton-Highspire Elementary Gym

Mark your calendars for a festive evening of community and celebration! Senator Patty Kim, in partnership with Latino Connection and Geisinger Health Plan, is hosting a Youth Holiday Expo right here in Steelton.

This family-friendly event is a great opportunity to celebrate the holidays while connecting with valuable local resources. Services and organizations present will include:

• Food Distribution

• Nutrition Counseling & Mental Health Support

• Youth Financial Literacy

• Dauphin County Library & YMCA Programs

Event Details:

• Date: December 10

• Time: 4:30 PM – 7:30 PM

• Location: I W Abel Hall (200 Gibson Street, Steelton)

To register for the event, please visit pasenatorkim.com/youthholidayexpo or scan the QR code on the flyer. We hope to see our families there!

Join us for a cozy evening of Cookies, Cocoa, and Crafts — plus our Book Fair Family Night!

• Thursday, December 11th
• 5:30–7:00 PM
• Steelton-Highspire Elementary

Enjoy sweet treats, create fun crafts, shop the book fair, and visit with a special guest... Santa!

Bring the whole family for a night of holiday cheer, warm cocoa, and community fun!

All team schedules are posted through the Arbiter Sports website. This is the most accurate schedule as changes made to any games, matches, or meets are updated automatically.

Schedules can be viewed by visiting this link: Steelton-Highspire School District Athletics Schedules

Stay informed all year long by visiting our district website and following us on social media!
Our website is your go-to source for the latest updates for families—you’ll find the school calendar, lunch menus, athletic schedules, and so much more.

Visit the links below to explore and stay connected!

School Counselor for grades K-3: Ms. Bonsignore, gbonsignore@shsd.k12.pa.us

School Counselor for grades 4-6: Mrs. Rash, jrash@shsd.k12.pa.us

School Counselor for grades 7-9: Mrs. Sunday, BSunday@shsd.k12.pa.us

School Counselor for grades 10-12: Mrs. Albert, AAlbert@shsd.k12.pa.us

College & Career Counselor K-12: Mrs. Hume, LHume@shsd.k12.pa.us

Transition and Co-Op Coordinator: Mrs. Warner, MWarner@shsd.k12.pa.us

School Counseling Office Administrative Assistant: Mrs. Navickas, JNavickas@shsd.k12.pa.us

• 11/26: Early dismissal for students and staff
• 11/27-12/1: Schools & Offices Closed -Thanksgiving Break
• 12/12: Early Dismissal, Staff In-Service

Our Steelton-Highspire Spiritwear Shop is open! Thanks to our partnership with Hummelstown Print House, families, students, and community members can order official Roller spiritwear online.

Show your Roller Pride by supporting athletics teams or picking up general Roller gear for yourself and your family.

Order today by scanning the QR code on the flyer or visiting: tinyurl.com/SHSDSpiritWear