Roller Pride

As the school year comes to a close, we want to thank our students, staff, and families for an incredible year of growth, learning, and achievement. Your dedication and Roller Pride have made this year truly special. We are proud of all that has been accomplished and look forward to building on that momentum. As summer begins, we encourage everyone to relax, recharge, and enjoy time with family and friends. On behalf of Mr. Slade and Dr. Iskric, have a safe and joyful summer—we’ll see you in the fall!

We’re getting ready for a busy final week of school! Please take a moment to review the important events scheduled for this week. All special events will be livestreamed on the district’s YouTube channel: tinyurl.com/SHSDYouTube.

GRADUATION CEREMONY INFORMATION

• Graduation will take place on Thursday, May 29, 2025, in the Steel-High Main Gymnasium as we honor and celebrate our graduating seniors. Doors will open at 5:00 PM, and the ceremony will begin promptly at 5:30 PM.
• Tickets are required for admission—each senior receives 8. ADA accommodations are available upon request in Google Classroom. The ceremony will also be livestreamed on the district YouTube channel for those unable to attend in person.
• Parking on campus is limited and carpooling is encouraged.
• Please note: Commencement is a formal and respectful occasion. Balloons, noisemakers, food, and beverages are not permitted.

MANDATORY GRADUATION PRACTICE 5/28

• Graduation practice will be held on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, from 11AM–2:00 PM.
• Students should report by 11:00 AM for the Elementary Farewell Walk at 11:30 AM.
• Gowns and graduation tickets will be distributed only after practice concludes.

CHROMEBOOK COLLECTION FOR SENIORS

• Seniors Chromebooks should be returned to the Technology Office by May 22, 2025.
• Students will receive an invoice for any devices, cases and/or chargers not returned to the school by Wednesday, May 28, 2025 and for any damages to devices or accessories.

Additional details can be found in the Seniors 2025 Google Classroom and on the school website: https://shhs.shsd.k12.pa.us/jrsr-high/2025-seniors

The Senior Awards Ceremony took place on Wednesday, May 21, in the high school auditorium. During the event, members of the Class of 2025 were recognized for their academic achievements, leadership, and service. Students were awarded a variety of scholarships generously provided by local organizations, alumni, and community partners. It was a proud moment to celebrate the hard work and accomplishments of our graduating seniors.

Valedictorian

Salutatorian

The Foundation Scholarships (Binder Family Fund Scholarship)

The Foundation Scholarships (Joseph C. Shevock Scholarship)

Fifth Ward Scholarship

Ryan Mohn Academic & Athletic Scholarship Awards

Allen Quirk Scholarship

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Zeta Theta Lambda Chapter Andrew M. Bradley Scholarship

CAIU Tom Buskey Student Achievement Award

Daughters of the American Revolution DAR Good Citizens Award

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Good Citizenship Award

Eric Dupree Washington Sr. Memorial Award

EVOLVE Youth Trades Pre-apprenticeship Certificates

Hall Foundation Scholarship

Himyar Court No 97 Tasha Long Achievement Award

Phi Beta-Theta Omicron Sigma Alumni Chapter John D. Leak

Kiwanis Club of Hbg Youth Foundation Scholarship

Norman B. Meisky Memorial Scholarship

Rollers Leaders of Tomorrow Award

Steelton-Highspire Legacy of Education Scholarship Award

Vic Verbos Memorial Scholarship

The Neighboring Academy Scholarship

Michael J. Santana, Jr. Turnaround Achievement Scholarship

Woodmen of the World Life Insurance Society Woodmen Life American History Award

Porter Family Awards Evan L. Porter RN, BSN Medical Scholarship

Porter Family Awards Mabel S. Porter Memorial Band Scholarship

Members 1st FCU & True Colors Financial Literacy Award

True Colors: Rob Deibler Leadership Award

True Colors: CT Hailey Impact Award

True Colors Scholarships

True Colors: PCCD Awards

John Travers Award

Mr. Quinton Blanton, affectionately known to many of our elementary students as "Mr. B," has spent the last several years serving in the Steelton-Highspire Elementary building as our Check & Connect program caseworker. As he prepares to retire at the end of the school year, Mr. B will be sorely missed by all in the building. School Counselor, Mrs. Lopez, took a moment to interview Mr. Blanton for our final newsletter to reflect on his incredible journey.

Quinton Blanton was born and raised in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, where his love for sports flourished. Throughout high school, he played basketball, soccer, baseball, and tennis. He continued his athletic journey at Slippery Rock University, playing soccer for the Rockets while pursuing a degree in Health and Physical Education, with a minor in Management.

In 1989, Mr. Blanton married his college sweetheart, Mrs. Adrienne Blanton. Together, they built a beautiful life and now enjoy spending time with their two daughters and one granddaughter.

Following college, Mr. Blanton began working with high-risk youth in Slippery Rock, eventually advancing to the role of unit manager. He then dedicated 25 years to the Federal Bureau of Prisons, serving as Recreation Director at FCC Allenwood, where he provided leadership and support through recreation and wellness programs.

Upon retiring from the prison system, Mr. Blanton pursued his passion for ministry, becoming the pastor of Unity Christian Fellowship Church before relocating to Harrisburg. There, alongside his wife and a dedicated group of church members, he helped found New Life Fellowship Church on Paxton Street.

In 2018, Mr. Blanton joined Pennsylvania Counseling Services and began working with the Check & Connect program, serving the Steelton-Highspire School District. Over the years, he has supported and guided more than 400 students and families in the community, leaving a lasting impact with his empathy, professionalism, and unwavering commitment.

As he enters retirement, Mr. Blanton plans to devote himself fully to ministry and his nonprofit organization, The Yeah Community, which focuses on supporting those in need. He and his wife also look forward to traveling, visiting family, and performing mission work overseas in Sierra Leone.

Mr. Blanton’s guiding motto—“Be fair, be professional, and be compassionate in your field”—is a reflection of the heart he has brought to every role. He leaves behind a powerful legacy and will be deeply missed by the entire Steelton-Highspire family.

Mr. Blanton was gifted a custom Washington Commanders jersey by a group of elementary staff in celebration of his retirement.

Mrs. Howard’s math classes took learning to new heights by using real-life data to create line plots. Each student designed and launched their own paper airplane, measuring how far it flew. The results were charted into line plots for each homeroom, turning a hands-on activity into a fun and meaningful math lesson. Students had a blast combining creativity with data analysis!

To promote literacy and cross-curricular learning, Ms. Thorne’s 9th grade students read A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park while studying Earth’s geochemical cycles. Through this interdisciplinary approach, students explored the issue of water scarcity and the human impact on natural resources. They examined how geography and politics intersect, influencing the daily lives of people in regions affected by these challenges.

The novel, based on the true story of Salva, a boy from South Sudan, follows his journey and concludes with his founding of a nonprofit to bring clean water to his homeland. As a culminating project, students created their own fictional nonprofit organizations aimed at addressing global water-related crises. Each student developed a website outlining their nonprofit’s mission, vision, and potential impact. Their projects ranged from providing wells in Africa and the Middle East to launching educational initiatives focused on water conservation and recycling.

Ms. Sable’s 4th, 5th, and 6th grade English Learners recently had the opportunity to practice their English speaking skills through fun and interactive board and card games. Students enjoyed stepping away from screens to engage with peers, building confidence and communication skills in a relaxed, supportive environment.

During the 2024-25 school year, Steelton-Highspire Elementary has seen a significant increase in its English Learner (EL) population. At the end of last school year, there were approximately 75 EL students in grades K-6. This year, that number has grown to 112! Our district is proud to welcome students from diverse backgrounds, representing families from around the globe. Despite differences in language and culture, these students and their families share a common goal: to learn English and thrive in a safe, supportive community.

Countries represented in our EL population include the United States, Egypt, Morocco, Puerto Rico, Chile, Haiti, Bangladesh, the Dominican Republic, Uganda, Turkey, Afghanistan, Rwanda, Ghana, Burundi, Chad, Guatemala, Brazil, Mexico, Peru, Tunisia, Venezuela, Namibia, Tanzania, El Salvador, Honduras, Ecuador, Libya, and Canada. Languages spoken in our EL families range from Swahili, Spanish, and Urdu to French, Haitian Creole, Arabic, Kinyarwanda, Dari, Bengali, Nepali, Portuguese, and more.

We are excited to continue supporting our English Learners as they grow in their ability to speak, read, write, and listen in English—while enriching our school community with their unique cultures and perspectives.

For their final project, students in Mrs. Winter-Davis' Business & Economics class were challenged to develop either an original cereal brand or a new food truck concept. Throughout the project, students explored key business concepts including marketing strategies, identifying target audiences, and crafting persuasive sales pitches.

They also delved into the real-world logistics of launching a business—such as calculating costs, and understanding the licenses and permits required for operating a food truck.The unit culminated in a Business Expo-style presentation, where students showcased their innovative ideas to peers and staff, applying what they learned in a fun and engaging way.

Students had a blast at Camp Donnelly (aka Mrs. Donnelly's 4th grade classroom), where learning met adventure! The classroom was transformed into a camping getaway as students rotated through engaging review activities, all centered around a fun camping theme.

From “trail mix math” to “campfire reading,” every station brought smiles and excitement. To top it all off, everyone enjoyed some delicious, gooey s’mores to wrap up the day. It was a fun and memorable way to review and celebrate learning!

A group of band students recently had the exciting opportunity to visit Lebanon Valley College, where they participated in private lessons with music professors Dr. Chris Heffner and Dr. Greg Strohman. Following their lessons, students toured the campus and enjoyed lunch with the co-chairs of the college’s music department. It was a day filled with learning, inspiration, and a deeper look into the world of collegiate music!

Fourth grade students recently put their creativity to the test with a fun and educational activity—creating their own memes! As part of a lesson that integrated technology skills and responsible social media use, students in Ms. Toro’s class designed original memes that were both clever and thoughtful.

Check out some of the hilarious and insightful creations from these tech-savvy students!

Check out these snapshots from our amazing Talent Show, organized by Ms. Anderson, Mr. MacIntosh, and Mr. Ragnalia. The stage was packed with courage, creativity, and incredible performances from students and staff alike!

Highlights included a beautiful duet by Aliyan Staff and Ms. Schuyler, a powerful performance by Mr. Lewis and Ms. Suruski, and a show-stopping solo from Ms. Anderson herself. The evening was filled with unforgettable moments, and the talent on display was truly inspiring.

In the end, the top honors went to singers Kennidy and A’Jayla, who tied for first place with their standout performances. Bravo to all our performers for sharing their gifts and making this event such a success!

Ms. Waughtel’s 3rd/4th grade class recently celebrated a major math milestone with a well-deserved pizza party! Students worked hard to master their multiplication facts using flashcards, rap songs, hands-on manipulatives, and plenty of practice.

To earn the reward, the class needed to score 80% or higher on a multiplication quiz—and they did it together! Congratulations to these motivated mathematicians for their teamwork, determination, and success!

We’re excited to invite families of our 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students to our upcoming Honor Roll Assembly on Wednesday, May 28th. The celebration will begin at 8:45 AM in the school auditorium.

We look forward to recognizing our students’ hard work and achievements—hope to see you there!

Get ready for an evening packed with Effort, Energy, and Attitude as PSU players bring the heat to Roller Nation! **For Students in Grades 4–6**

4:15 PM – Welcome Rally

Music, player introductions, and a hype session to kick things off!

4:30 PM – Workout Stations

Relay races, agility drills, and more with the Nittany Lions!

5:15 PM – Motivation Talk & Q&A

Hear powerful messages about teamwork, school, and chasing your dreams.

5:45 PM – Autographs & Photos

Grab a mini poster or PSU sticker and snap a pic with the players!

You won’t want to miss this incredible opportunity to meet the Nittany Lions and get inspired!

It’s never too early to prepare for the upcoming school year. Please take a moment to review Pennsylvania’s school immunization requirements to ensure your child is ready to start the 2025–2026 school year on time:

School Immunization Requirements: https://www.shsd.k12.pa.us/student-services/registration-resources

To support families, the Steelton-Highspire School District is once again partnering with Hamilton Health Center to offer Children’s Immunization Clinics on-site in the high school auxiliary gym. These clinics will take place on the following Wednesdays, from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM:

• June 18, 25
• July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
• August 6, 13

We are excited to announce that Kindergarten Registration for the upcoming 2025-2026 school year is now open! If you have a child who will turn five years of age by September 1, 2025, please view the attached flyer. This year, we will continue to do online registrations. The registration link can be found on the flyers below, on our school webpage: https://www.shsd.k12.pa.us/student-services/new-student-registration

If you have any questions or concerns related to Kindergarten Registration, please contact the Department of Student Services at 717-704-3800 extension 3871 or email Ms. Vega at LVega@shsd.k12.pa.us

School Counselor for grades K-3: Mrs. Lopez, glopez@shsd.k12.pa.us

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

School Counselor for grades 7-9: Ms. 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: Ms. Navickas, JNavickas@shsd.k12.pa.us

• 5/23-5/26 Schools and Offices Closed for Memorial Day holiday
• 5/29 High School Graduation
• 5/30 Last Day of School for students

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The Champions before and after school program is available Monday-Friday at Steelton-Highspire Elementary School, starting from 6:45 am until school begins and from school dismissal until 6:00 pm. Families have the option to register for either the morning or afternoon sessions, both sessions, as well as part-time (1-2 days a week) or full-time schedules (3-5 days a week). In addition, Champions offers the flexibility for families to adjust their child's schedule on a weekly basis. Subsidy will be accepted.

For a more in-depth look at the Champions experience, be sure to explore their virtual tour: https://www.discoverchampions.com/why-champions/virtual-tour

Now enrolling for summer at Champions!

I’m excited to share that summer enrollment is now open for Champions at Steelton! Get a jump start on setting your summer routines and enroll today.

At Champ Camp this summer, your child will have an awesome adventure they’ll never forget. Every week will focus on a different theme—from the outdoors, sports, and friendship to STEM activities!

• Collaborate with others to solve problems.
• Practice empathy.
• Flex their critical thinking skills.
• Express their own ideas and listen to others.
• Give your child a creative space to explore what they love.

Warmly,

Tracy Anderson

971-610-5847