FC's September 2026 Newsletter

Greetings, Fishing Creek Families!

We are off to a fantastic start! It has been wonderful welcoming our Sharks back to Fishing Creek and seeing the energy, smiles, and excitement as students settle into their classrooms. After the Labor Day weekend, we are looking forward to building on a great start to the 2026–2027 school year!

We are also excited to officially welcome Mrs. Alyssa Tofani, our new Assistant Principal, and Percy to the Fishing Creek community. We are thrilled to have them as part of the Shark Tank this year!

During these first weeks, teachers are focused on building strong classroom communities, establishing routines and expectations, and getting to know their students as learners. This year, Acadience Math is a new beginning-of-the-year assessment for all students. Along with other relevant data, these assessments help our teachers better understand each student's strengths and needs and plan instruction and support throughout the year.

This school year also gives us a special opportunity to recognize America’s 250th anniversary. While July 4 marked the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, our recognition of this historic milestone does not end with Independence Day. Throughout the year, we look forward to finding meaningful ways for our students to learn about and connect with our nation’s history as we commemorate America at 250.

Check out the information below to see what’s happening at Fishing Creek and what we have to look forward to in September!

Friday, September 4 and Monday, September 7 - No School

Tuesday, September 8 at 6:30 PM

PTO Meeting in the Library

Friday, September 25 - Remote Learning Day

Stay tuned for more information!

Tuesday, October 27 - Picture Day

• Thursday, September 3rd-🐝 Bee Kind Day- Wear yellow/black and celebrate kindness.
• Friday, September 11th- Patriot Day - Red, White, & Blue
• Tuesday, September 22nd- Fall Kick-Off Day 🍂 – Wear your favorite fall colors and get ready to celebrate the start of the fall season!
• Wednesday, September 30th - Shark of the Month - wear shark gear!

At Fishing Creek, we believe the best way to support every child is to first get to know them as learners. Throughout September, students will take beginning-of-the-year assessments that help teachers understand their strengths and areas for growth. The information we gain allows us to create meaningful groupings, guide learning plans, and provide the right supports for each student.

Here’s what students will complete:

• All students: Acadience Reading assessment

• All students: Acadience Math assessment

• Kindergarten: Kindergarten Acceleration Program (KAP) screener

• Grades 1–2: Kickstart Math

• Grades 2–4: Reflex Math

• Grades 3–4: Exact Path Diagnostic (September) and, starting in October, Firefly pilot, which helps us monitor progress and prepare students for future success on the PSSA's.

These are not traditional “tests.” Instead, they’re quick tools that give us a clear picture of how to best challenge and support each child. Together, they help us make Fishing Creek a place where every student can grow and thrive.

My Child Was Absent — What Do I Do?
You must report an absence within 3 days using one of these approved methods, or it will be marked unlawful:

• PowerSchool: Enter the absence online.

• Email: fcabsent@wssd.k12.pa.us — include student name, teacher, date, and reason.

• Call: 717-938-6567 — leave the same details; send a note when your child returns.

If your child is absent 3+ consecutive days, a note from a licensed practitioner of the healing arts is required. Board policy allows 6 parent-verified absences per year; all others require a note from a licensed practitioner of the healing arts (a.k.a Doctor's note).

Unlawful Absences:

• 3 unexcused days → written notice will be provided and possible School Attendance Conference.

• 6+ unexcused days → referral to children & youth and possible court citation.

Educational Trips During the School Year
District policy permits up to 5 travel days each school year. Complete the Educational Field Trip Request Form (on the district website) and return it to the office at least 5 school days before your trip for approval from Mr. Wensel. You will receive confirmation by mail once approved.

Please click here to access food service menus: https://wssdk12pa.nutrislice.com/menus-eula

Character Focus: Respect

This month, our school is focusing on the important character trait of Respect. Through our PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) program, we are teaching students to show respect by being safe, kind, and responsible, especially when it comes to how we treat our own bodies and the bodies of others. Students are learning that respecting themselves and their peers means keeping hands and bodies to themselves, using kind words, and making choices that help everyone feel safe and valued.

🗣️ Family Discussion Prompts:

• What does respect mean to you?
  How can we show respect with our words and actions?

• Why is it important to keep our hands and bodies to ourselves?

• Can you share a time when someone showed you respect? How did it make you feel?

Let’s work together to build a culture of respect at school and at home! For additional information regarding CharacterStrong, please visit our CharacterStrong & Social Emotional Learning website.

In Physical Education class, students are to wear safe shoes. Examples of not safe shoes are crocs, boots, and dress shoes. Sometimes, we have class outside. Thus, it is important to know what cycle days your child has P.E. class. They may need support to dress appropriately.

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

Matthew Wensel

Principal - Fishing Creek Elementary School

wenselm@wssd.k12.pa.us

717-938-6565

Mrs. Alyssa Tofani

Assistant Principal - Fishing Creek Elementary School

tofania@wssd.k12.pa.us

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