Hamburg Area High School Newsletter

Dear Hamburg Families,

February continues to be a meaningful and productive time at our High School as we recognize student accomplishments, build school spirit, and begin preparing for the year ahead.

Looking Ahead: Course Selection for the 2026–2027 School Year

As we move further into the second semester, course selection for next school year is underway. Our school counselors will be meeting with students to review graduation requirements, explore elective offerings, and discuss opportunities for academic growth and career exploration. We encourage families to take time to talk with their students about their interests, strengths, and future goals. Thoughtful course planning plays an important role in shaping each student’s high school experience, and our team is committed to supporting students and families throughout the process.

Charity Basketball Game – Another Great Night for Our Community

Thank you to everyone who came out to support this year’s High School vs. Middle School Charity Basketball Game. The event once again brought together staff, students, and families for an evening filled with energy, laughter, and friendly competition. Proceeds from the event are being directed toward meaningful causes, and the generosity shown by our community continues to make a positive impact beyond our school walls. The canned food donations collected that evening also provided support to local families in need. We are proud of the way our school community consistently comes together to give back.

Winter Athletics Update: Postseason Competition

Our winter athletic season is heading into postseason play, and we are proud to recognize the student-athletes who have advanced to regional and district-level competition. Their commitment, discipline, and teamwork represent our school with pride. We wish all of our teams continued success and encourage our community to show their support as they compete.

Thank you for your continued partnership in making Hamburg Area High School a place where students grow academically, socially, and through extracurricular involvement. If you have any questions or need additional information, please do not hesitate to reach out. We look forward to a strong finish to the winter season and an exciting spring ahead.

Warm regards,

Ryan McGinley
Principal

Celeste Mummolo

Auto Collision Repair Technology, left

Riley Frantz

Protective Services-Law Enforcement, right

Chloe Brennan

Health Occupations

Students that applied to BCTC before the December due date should be receiving a notification letter via regular mail from BCTC within the next two weeks. Students should see Mrs. Del Conte with any questions.

Families are invited to explore the incredible projects and career-ready skills seniors are

showcasing from programs across engineering, healthcare, technology, construction, culinary arts, and more.

Students & Families can:

• Explore career programs and pathways

• See hands-on learning in action

• Talk with instructors about opportunities at BCTC

DOORS OPEN FROM 5PM to 8PM!

This event is proudly supported by the Berks Career & Technology Center Education Foundation, which provides scholarships, equipment, and opportunities that enhance student learning. Raffles will be available, with proceeds directly supporting BCTC students and programs.

One powerful way to make your school 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 school year that’s both meaningful and memorable.

Complete the PFE Interest Form now and turn your school year into a year of discovery!

DEADLINE TO RETURN SIGNED PERMISSION FORMS- February 25th

🎫March 3, 2026 8:30 a.m. – 10:50 a.m. at Alvernia University

• This county-wide event welcomes over 100 colleges and technical schools.
• Permission forms were distributed to juniors and are available in the School Counseling Office. Signed permission DUE no later than 2/25.

🏫College Admissions Information Meeting – (recorded session from February 2025)

• Junior students and parents were invited to attend the Junior Parent College information Meeting that was held February 5th, 2026. Check out last year's video for an example of what was shared from our previous evening session. Topics highlight a comprehensive discussion on beginning your junior’s college search, SAT/ACT exams, college visits, senior internships, and essential elements for a compelling college application.

🎓College Admissions Panel – (recorded session from February 2025)

• Hear directly from a panel of College Admissions Counselors, representing local State, State-Related, Private, and Community colleges. Gain insights and have your questions answered regarding College Admissions from the experts.

• Students will be selecting their courses during the week of February 23rd. Students will make elective choices and verify their teacher recommendations.
• March 6 is the deadline for submitting course requests.
• Course Override Form required for a recommendation change request
• If a student wishes to make a change to their requests, they can do so up through the end of the school year by contacting their School Counselor.

Visit the HS Counselor Summer Program webpage

OR find opportunities of your own in and around the state.

• PFEW PA Free Enterprise Week (camp) https://www.pfew.org/ See Mrs. Keck or Mrs. Del Conte
• PSU Berks summer camps https://berks.psu.edu/ce/summer-camps

Join Hawk Mountain's Counselor-in-Training Program and Level Up Your Leadership Skills!

Are you 14-17 years old and ready to make a difference while having fun this summer? Our Counselors-In-Training (CIT) Program is your chance to shine! Click for more information!

Students attending college must complete the FAFSA. This process is started online and must be completed with parent(s)/guardian(s).

Visit https://secure.smore.com/n/gxbvt for resources from the Counseling Office!

FAFSA https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa

PHEAA https://www.pheaa.org/

• PHEAA is the state's financial aid organization that assists eligible Pennsylvanians with affording higher education.
• All students/parents should also apply for state grant funds and review loan products to help cover the gap in cost!
• Some PHEAA products are only offered to eligible students attending Pennsylvania Institutions, but loan products are definitely worth looking into!

The key to finding scholarships is putting in the time to search and apply!

• Visit the HS Counselor Webpage for a running list of posted scholarships
• Use national search engines like Studentscholarships.org, Collegeboard's Big Future program, and others!
• Check with parent and student employers
• Check with the college directly to see how they award scholarships through their Financial Aid Office. (Is there a separate scholarship application, like Kutztown, or are you automatically screened, or do you have to apply to each scholarship individually?)

• SAT Exam Dates 2025-2026

  Register online. Review Bluebook, the SAT online exam platform. All students with Chromebooks have the Bluebook app already downloaded to their computer and are permitted to use their school laptop on test morning.

  • March 14, 2026 (Registration Deadline 2/27)
  • May 2, 2026 (Registration Deadline 4/17)
  • June 6, 2026 (Registration Deadline 5/22)
  • August 22, 2026
  • September 12, 2026
  • October 3, 2026
  • November 7, 2026

• Do not take an exam without studying. Use Collegeboard resources or sign up for a SAT prep course. Khan Academy, is a free service linked to Collegeboard. Check it out!

  • PSU Berks SAT Prep Click 💲

  Mondays in person, 6:30-8pm, and two Saturday mornings

  April 13- June 1

• Services available: College planning, Essay writing, SAT Prep, and more!

Do not take an exam without studying. Use Collegeboard resources or sign up for a SAT prep course.

PSU Berks SAT Prep Click

Mondays via live interactive Zoom, 6:30-8pm plus additional Saturdays

The gym was packed, the crowd was loud, and the energy was electric as teachers traded their lesson plans for layups at the 3rd Annual High School vs. Middle School Charity Basketball Game this past Friday night. What started as a friendly rivalry quickly turned into a fast-paced, crowd-pleasing battle that had students on their feet and cheering from start to finish.

Nearly twenty staff members from across the district laced up their sneakers and took the court, proving that school spirit doesn’t end when the final bell rings. With big shots, plenty of laughs, and a few “veteran moves” on display, the night delivered nonstop entertainment and unforgettable moments for everyone in attendance.

Doors opened at 5:30 PM, with tipoff at 6:00 PM. Students received free admission with a canned good donation, with all items benefiting the Northern Berks Food Pantry and supporting families in our local community.

While the competition was spirited, the true purpose of the evening was giving back. This year, Student Council is proudly donating 100% of the proceeds to Blessed Beginnings, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting survivors of domestic abuse as they rebuild their lives.

Throughout the night, attendees enjoyed food, refreshments, and interactive games, creating a fun and welcoming atmosphere for all. A full recap of the event will be shared in next month’s newsletter.

Leading up to the big game, students and staff participated in Spirit Week, with themed dress-up days that helped build excitement and school pride. In the coming weeks, we will also begin hosting color-themed dress-up days focused on cancer awareness. Each day will highlight a different type of cancer, encouraging our school community to show support and raise awareness.

Looking ahead, Student Council will host the Hawk Hoedown on April 17 from 6:00–8:00 PM. The event will take place in the cafeterias, similar to Homecoming, and will feature line dancing, cornhole, snacks, and refreshments. We look forward to another evening of fun and community engagement.

While many think of February as the month of love due to Valentine’s Day it is also the month of kindness.

Random Acts of Kindness Day – February 17

February 17 is Random Acts of Kindness Day, a day dedicated to surprising others with thoughtful, unexpected gestures. Organized by the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation, this day reminds us that even the smallest positive action can brighten someone’s day.

Why Kindness Matters in High School

High school can be exciting—but also stressful. Academic pressure, social dynamics, extracurricular commitments, and planning for the future can feel overwhelming. A culture of kindness helps create a safe and supportive environment where students feel valued and respected.

Examples of random acts of kindness:

• Leave an encouraging sticky note on a locker

• Pay a compliment to someone you don’t usually talk to

• Help carry books or hold the door

• Send a positive text to a friend

• Thank a bus driver, custodian, or cafeteria worker.

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Random Acts of Kindness Day in the High School

The SOAR, Life Skills,Transition Academy, and ESL students put together a treat for all students. In the homeroom students were given a lollipop with a small phrase written in three different languages!

Unexpected kindness often has the biggest impact.

Class of 2026 graduation

Friday, June 5th, 2025, at 6:00 pm

High School Gymnasium

February is National Heart Month

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. Keep your heart healthy by remembering these 3 tips:

• Eat a healthy diet

• Exercise regularly

• Live tobacco free

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School Physicals with our school physician are scheduled to take place on 3/11/26. If you gave permission for your 11th grade student to receive a physical, it will be completed on this day.

Looking ahead: ALL current 11th grade students will need a Meningitis vaccine PRIOR to the first day of 12th grade, unless the student has a medical or religious/philosophical exemption. If your child has already received this immunization, please submit the updated copy of their immunization record to the school nurse.

REMINDERS

11th grade students are required by PA State law to have a physical examination. If you have not yet submitted this form, it is past due, please submit it 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.

Melissa Dunn M.Ed., BSN, RN, CSN

Certified School Nurse

Hamburg Area High School

610-562-2241 ext. 2560

meldun@hasdhawks.org

Hamburg Hawks Performing Arts – Drama Club Revue 🎭

Join us for an exciting evening celebrating the talent of Hamburg Hawks students! The Drama Club Revue is a dynamic showcase of student performances highlighting creativity, collaboration, and theatrical expression.

📅 Friday, March 27, 2026
⏰ 7:00 PM EST
📍 Hamburg High School Auditorium

🎟 General Admission: Pay As You Will (donations encouraged)

Come support our students and enjoy a night of engaging performances—everyone is welcome!

• February 26 - Senior Meeting
• March 3 - Alvernia University College Fair Field Trip
• March 31- Full Day (snow make-up day)
• April 1- Early Dismissal (11:30) - snow make-up day
• April 2-6 - Holiday Break
• April 17 - Hawk Hoedown