FC's March 2025 Newsletter

March is here, and with it comes the promise of spring! As we wrap up the second trimester on March 7, it’s a perfect time to reflect on how much our students have grown and to set our sights on the exciting months ahead. The days are getting longer (don’t forget to set those clocks forward on March 9th!), and the energy of spring is coming.

We continue to implement our HMH reading program and 95% Group Phonics with a focus on building strong literacy skills for all students. We're already seeing encouraging progress as our students grow in their reading and writing, thanks to the dedication of our staff and the hard work of our sharks! We're still going strong with enVision Math and Science, Social Studies, and all of our related special areas, too!

As we look ahead, our 3rd and 4th graders are also continuing to prepare for the upcoming PSSA assessments. These tests, scheduled for late April, provide an opportunity for students to show what they’ve learned this year. More details about testing dates and procedures will be shared as we get closer. Thank you for your continued support!

We’re so proud of the hard work and dedication we’ve seen from our students and staff, and we look forward to finishing the school year strong. Read below to see what's been going on in February and what's coming up in March!

Thursday, March 6 at 6:00 PM

PTO Skating Party at Fountainblu

Tuesday, March 11 at at 6:30 PM

PTO Meeting in FC Library

Friday, March 14 - No School

Monday, March 17 - Remote Learning Day

Teachers will provide asynchronous work for students equal to a half day of instruction. Student work may be completed that day or anytime over the weekend and submitted the next day school is in session. Students will NOT attend Zoom sessions and all students will be marked present unless reported as absent. In the event of an absence, families should follow regular procedures for absence notification and the standard make-up procedures will apply.

Thursday, March 20

2nd Trimester Grades available in Powerschool

Read Across America Week

• Monday, March 3: Blackout/whiteout
• Tuesday, March 4: Animal theme (Forgotten Friends Assembly today!)
• Wednesday, March 5: Sports
• Thursday, March 6: Readable shirt
• Friday, March 7: Pajamas and stuffed animal

Read Across America Week is March 3-7, 2025

We're WILD about reading at Fishing Creek and will be celebrating with the bookmark contest, spirit days, book raffle, and animal assembly! We encourage you to talk about books and read together during this fun week!

Bookmark contest winner will be announced on March 3. Students can enter to win a new book, using Shark or Bus tickets, in the school-wide raffle. Raffle winners will be announced March 11. The PTO is hosting a special assembly, Forgotten Friend Reptile Sanctuary, during school hours on March. 4.

In brief, here are the spirit dress days for Read Across America (more information will be sent home on SeeSaw):

March 3: Blackout/whiteout

March 4: Animal theme (Forgotten Friends Assembly today!)

March 5: Sports

March 6: Readable shirt

March 7: Pajamas and stuffed animal

Shout out to our Sharks of the Month who were nominated for showing Honesty in February! Keep up the great work, Sharks!

Please consider including an extra set of clothes in your child's backpack each day. Our nurse’s office has run out of spare pants, and we have students needing a change of clothes daily. Also, If your child borrows clothing from the nurse, please remember to wash and return the items as soon as possible so we can continue to help students.

Penny Wars

CONGRATULATIONS 4th Grade!!! The scores were up and down all week but in the end 4th grade pulled ahead with an impressive victory! 4th grade will now enjoy a special whoopie pie treat and a lucky few will get to pie Mr Wensel and Mr. Marshall!

Thank you to everyone who contributed to Penny Wars to make it such a successful event! Together we realized over $1,677.94 for the PTO. Below are some additional fun facts from the event:

*Biggest Single Count Total for 1 Class: $306.95 - 4th Grade

*Largest Sabotage in a Single Count: $123.20 - 2nd Grade

*Total Pennies Counted: 8,913

THANK YOU!

Upcoming PTO Events

3/6 - SKATE NIGHT

3/11 - PTO MEETING

4/3 - SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE

4/8 - PTO MEETING

4/10 - SKATE NIGHT

5/13 - PTO MEETING

5/20 - BOOSTERTHON BEGINS

5/30 - BOOSTERTHON ENDS

*Be sure to keep an eye on Seesaw and our websites for more information around each event and changes

PTO Info

Are you interested in helping out with the PTO or holding a future position on the board? It’s free do to do so and the PTO is always looking for more help. To get involved or learn more just come to a meeting or reach out to the PTO via email!

Next PTO Meeting: 03/11 6:30pm @ FC library (child care will be available for this meeting)

Next PTO Event: Skate Party 03/06 6pm-8pm @Fountainblu

Don’t forget to check out the PTO online:

Website - FishingCreekPTO.com

FaceBook - Fishing Creek Elementary School PTO

You can also reach out to the PTO via email anytime at FishingCreekPTO@gmail.com

A note from Ms. Adams...

Why do you support the Kids Heart Challenge?

To educate our students on keeping their bodies and hearts healthy as well as supporting kids or family members with heart challenges. March 7th is our last day to collect donations for the American Heart Association. Thank you for your support!!

If you're looking for a flexible and rewarding part-time position, the West Shore School District is actively looking for additional substitute teachers for the remainder of the school year. Whether you are a parent/guardian looking for more ways to stay connected or know someone in your family and friend circles who may be interested, please contact us! The Emergency Permit process allows candidates with a Bachelor's Degree in any field to serve as a Substitute Teacher. The District Partners with Substitute Teacher Service (STS) to fill needs within the District throughout the year. You may click this link for more information. https://www.wssd.k12.pa.us/Employment.aspx

It's important that iPads come to school fully charged and ready to learn each day! Kindergartners, 3rd graders, and all new students will get their device at the beginning of the year.

Fishing Creek is on Instagram! Follow us at FCSharks1 to see what's some of the great things happening at FC!

Looking for a rewarding job? We have immediate openings in a variety of District departments. To learn more and apply, please visit: https://www.applitrack.com/wssdk12/onlineapp/default.aspx?all=1

We are also looking for day-to-day substitute teachers. You do not have to have a teaching certificate to become a substitute. WSSD contracts with STS to fill substitute positions. To find out more or apply, please visit https://www.thesubservice.com/. You don't have to be able to substitute every day in order to sign up to be a substitute. Even if you can only substitute occasionally, that little bit will help immensely.

As always, please contact us if you have questions or need assistance!

Mr. Matthew Wensel

Principal - Fishing Creek Elementary School

wenselm@wssd.k12.pa.us

717-938-6565

Mr. Adam Marshall

Assistant Principal - Fishing Creek Elementary School

amarshall@wssd.k12.pa.us

Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram @FCSharks1 to see the awesome things happening here at FC!