In the Middle of Fairfield

The students did a great job on their PSSAs, and we were proud of the focus and effort they showed throughout testing. We also wanted to express our sincere appreciation for the parent support: Making sure students arrived on time with charged Chromebooks played a big role in our success. By all accounts, our first time administering the tests entirely online was a huge success!

As the year winds down and we enter these final few weeks, it’s important that we maintain our momentum and finish strong. These days are an opportunity for students to reflect on how far they’ve come, continue growing, and prepare for what’s next. Please continue to support strong routines at home. A good night’s sleep, regular attendance, and daily encouragement go a long way in helping students stay motivated and engaged.

We’re incredibly proud of our students and thankful for the part they have played in making this year so special. Let’s work together to make the end of the school year positive, productive, and memorable!

Mr. Hoffacker

The Knights of the Month are selected by their teachers

for best representing the qualities of a Knight,

by being Respectful, Responsible, and Ready to Learn!

🎉 Congratulations 🎉

Landon Dodson and Peyton Krstanovic - 5th grade;

Layne Bricker and Sophia Rondinelli - 6th grade;

Aubrey Harlacher and Jacob Wyant - 7th Grade

and Henry Jones and Ashlyn Valentine - 8th grade.

Pictured above, from left to right starting in the back: Mr. Hoffacker, Ashlyn Valentine, Aubrey Harlacher, Henry Jones. In front, from left to right: Sophia Rondinelli, Peyton Krstanovic, Landon Dodson and Jacob Wyant. Absent: Layne Bricker.

This month, we proudly celebrate our incredible Middle School Teachers during Teacher Appreciation Week, May 5-9. These dedicated educators are the heart in the Middle of Fairfield. They work every day to bring learning to life, support our students through every challenge, and create a caring environment where everyone can thrive.

To our amazing team: Thank you for the energy, passion, and heart you pour into your classrooms every day. Your impact lasts a lifetime!

Let’s all take a moment May 5th - 9th to thank a teacher and show them just how much they’re appreciated!

We’re excited to announce that Mr. Andrews has been selected as this month’s Shining Knight! Nominated by a parent, Mr. Andrews was recognized for his dedication, positivity, and unwavering commitment to our students. Congratulations, Mr. Andrews, you make Fairfield proud!

We’d also like to recognize two outstanding staff members who were nominated this month: Mrs. Templin, nominated by a student, and Mrs. Kemp, nominated by a parent. Your hard work, care, and impact on our school community are truly appreciated!

Let’s keep the momentum going! If you know a Fairfield Area School District employee who deserves a moment in the spotlight, we encourage you to submit a nomination. Whether it’s a teacher, staff member, or colleague who consistently makes a difference, help us celebrate their impact.

Teachers can’t be selected if they’re not nominated! Nominate your Shining Knight today and help us continue to recognize the heart of Fairfield!

Please use this nomination form to nominate any FASD employee.

In Pennsylvania, teachers in their first year of teaching in the state are required to complete a state-approved induction program designed to support new educators through mentorship and structured guidance. This program, mandated by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, spans a minimum of two years and is essential for teachers to progress from an Instructional I to an Instructional II certification.

Congratulations to Middle School teachers Heather Jones, Jason Cebulski, and Joel Garza for completing Year One of the induction program, and to Liz Yealy, Noah Schaeffer, and Christian Hocker for successfully completing Year Two!

Pictured above from left to right: Mr. Cebulski, Miss Yealy, Mrs. Jones, and Mr. Garza

The Middle School Student Council held their first evening dance in many years. Students danced the night away, had snacks and won prizes! We will conduct a student survey for next year’s dance to make it even better!

We are planning to deliver treats to our amazing teachers and staff for Teacher Appreciation Week!

Our PBIS program continues to reward students for demonstrating respect and responsibility—especially in the cafeteria!

Here’s how students can earn recognition during lunch:

• Remain seated while eating.

• Keep hands off other students’ trays and food.
  

• Throw away trash and clean up your area.
  

• Enjoy conversations with friends using indoor voices.
  
  

Teachers on lunch duty, Mrs. Jones and Mrs. Mills, are on the lookout for tables consistently following these expectations. Students who meet these goals are invited to enjoy a special privilege: eating lunch outdoors in the beautiful middle school courtyard next to the library!

With the sunshine making a strong appearance lately, students have been taking full advantage of this opportunity. Many have also enjoyed the yard games provided by the Middle School Student Council, including cornhole, giant Connect 4, and Jenga.

Let’s keep up the great behavior—our goal is for all students to enjoy this well-earned reward!

Our PBIS team is making plans for our annual Knight-A-Thon to be held on May 23rd at the stadium. We will have a fun half day of activities. We encourage families to continue supporting this event. Donations received will directly benefit our students by funding field trips and various PBIS rewards.

Hopefully, if we meet our monetary goal, our principals will get a little wet! It is not too late to donate to this cause. Through these generous donations, we have been able to provide some amazing rewards and field trips for our students!

If you would like to donate, feel free to follow this link: PBIS Give Back to Kids Fund or scan the QR code posted here.

Thank you for helping us create a positive and engaging learning environment!

As the 2024-2025 school year draws to a close, we need to share important information with our families regarding our 1:1 Chromebook program for students returning to FASD for the 2025-2026 school year. This year, all students will retain their assigned Chromebooks over the summer vacation to continue supporting their learning and engagement with educational resources.

Key Information for the Summer:

1. Chromebook Retention: All students are expected to keep their assigned Chromebooks at home during the summer. This allows students to maintain access to educational tools and prepare for the upcoming 2025-2026 school year.

2. Device Lifecycle for Grades 4 and 8: Students currently in grades 4 and 8, who will transition to middle school and high school respectively in the fall, will keep their current Chromebooks over the summer. At the start of the 2025-2026 school year, these students will be issued new Chromebooks as part of our device lifecycle plan.

3. Insurance Coverage: For families enrolled in our optional Chromebook insurance program, coverage for device damage will remain active throughout the summer.

4. Responsible Use and Care:

• Please encourage your child to handle their Chromebook with care and store it in a safe place when not in use to prevent damage or theft.

• Chromebooks should be fully charged and ready for use when the new school year begins.

• We recommend parental supervision to ensure Chromebooks are used appropriately and in accordance with our Acceptable Use Policy, outlined in the Student Handbook.

5. Technical Support: If your child encounters any issues with their Chromebook over the summer, our tech support team is available to assist. Please email techsupport@fairfield.k12.pa.us to open a support ticket.

We are excited to announce the 4th Annual High School and Middle School Art Show, taking place May 2nd through May 27th at the Carroll Valley Borough Building. This highly anticipated event showcases a curated selection of outstanding student artwork from both Fairfield High School and Middle School, celebrating the creativity, talent, and hard work of our young artists.

We invite families, friends, and community members to join us for the Opening Reception on Thursday, May 2nd, from 4:00 to 6:00 PM. This special evening will offer guests the opportunity to meet the artists, discuss their inspirations, and view the incredible pieces on display in a gallery-style setting.

Come support the arts and see firsthand the amazing talent developing within our schools!

As we prepare for these updates, we kindly ask that all library materials be returned by May 15th. Please check at home and help your child locate any borrowed books or resources and return them to the library by the deadline.

Thank you for your support as we get ready to turn the page to a whole new chapter for our library!

We have an exciting lineup of performances and events this spring—please come out and support our talented music students as they showcase their hard work and dedication!

Music in the Parks – High School Field Trip
📅 Friday, May 2nd
Our High School Concert Band, Concert Choir, and Show Choir will participate in the Music in the Parks adjudication festival, performing for a panel of judges and competing against other schools. After their performances, students will enjoy a fun-filled day at Hersheypark!

Spring Choral Concert
📅 Wednesday, May 14th
🕡 6:30 PM
📍 District Auditorium
Join us for an evening of outstanding vocal performances featuring our middle and high school chorus students. Your support means so much to our young musicians!

Show Choir Performance

📅 Thursday, May 8th

📍 Carroll Valley Park
Our Show Choir will perform at the Student of the Month ceremony held at Carroll Valley Park. Congratulations to all our Student of the Month recipients—we are proud of your achievements!

High Note Festival – 7th and 8th Grade Band and Chorus
📅 Friday, May 16th
Our 7th and 8th grade musicians will travel to adjudicate in front of a panel of judges and receive a performance rating. Following the festival, students will celebrate their accomplishments with a trip to Hersheypark!

• 5th/6th Grade Chorus Performance Letter (sent home on April 23rd)
  https://docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vTAY_mGM5d5qtcTVmPU95Uy5K08mW81XJcu4kTpU6n6_J1DVRlgYNRio_WttK00_A/pub

• [7th/8th Grade Chorus Performance Letter (sent April 23rd)](Insert Link)
  https://docs.google.com/document/d/1R_4uOm80ZrLXKJ6ANq-jZSjzeDmIcaSa/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=100818328863410973939&rtpof=true&sd=true
  
  

• May Knight Time Calendar for 5/6 Chorus/Band
  https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_2oekaxoFmxbqZFLWAz9Vyk-wIThTj65bdRB9N8Vy2Y/edit?usp=sharing
  
  

• May Knight Time Calendar for 7/8 Chorus/Band
  https://docs.google.com/document/d/156eHgCNi5Wl1PwxDljrYlO3SiaxuNY4vSc4Lg2eL884/edit?usp=sharing
  
  

🎵Thank you for supporting the Fairfield Area School District Music Department! 🎵

To ensure the safety of all students, no medications are allowed in school without a completed Medication Permission Form. These forms expire on the last day of school each year. Students who take medications at school will need a new Medication Permission Form completed AFTER the last day of school (May 29, 2025) for the 2025-2026 school year. For more information, please review the Health Office Services page on our district website and the Medication Administration Board Policy (Policy 210).

Keep scrolling for this month's trivia question

and check out more great information on the way!

In math class, students have been exploring coordinate grids, line plots, and two-dimensional shapes. One of the highlights has been working on their Polygon Slideshow projects, where students are discovering the real-world applications of geometric shapes. From architecture to nature to design, they’re seeing how math is all around us—and having fun in the process!

In social studies, students have become young marketing experts as they take on the challenge of promoting one of the original 13 Colonies. After learning about the history, geography, and economy of each colony, students are crafting persuasive presentations that highlight the unique benefits and resources of their assigned colony. This project has helped them think critically and creatively while connecting with early American history.

In ELA, students are strengthening their essay writing skills, with a focus on using text evidence to support their ideas and responses. We’ve also been exploring the beauty of language through our poetry unit. So far, students have created a variety of poems—including acrostic, haiku, cinquain, and "repeat it" poems—showing off their imagination and voice. In May, we’ll be turning these poems into published class books that students can cherish and share!

As a reminder, students should continue reading their independent books in preparation for their upcoming Letter Essay, which will be written in school on May 14th. Please encourage your child to stay on track with their reading at home—it makes a big difference!

It’s been a joy watching our 5th graders grow as thinkers, writers, and explorers this year. We’re excited to see all the amazing things they’ll accomplish as we head into the final weeks of the school year! 🌟

Mark your calendars - 6th Grade Camp

is right around the corner

taking place May 7th–9th

at the beautiful Camp Eder!

Students are in for an unforgettable experience filled with hands-on learning, outdoor adventures, and tons of fun—all aligned with the new PA STEELS Science Standards

Throughout their time at camp, students will dive into exciting activities such as:

• Investigating and evaluating the health of a local stream
  

• Discovering methods to purify water
  

• Engineering protective vessels for the ultimate egg drop challenge

• Practicing survival skills like shelter building and fire starting

• ...and so many more surprises!

But it’s not all work and no play—no way! Students will also participate in physical challenges like Capture the Flag, Ultimate Frisbee, and the ever-popular Camp Olympics, featuring spirited team relays and games. Evenings will wind down with a cozy outdoor movie, s’mores by the fire, and even a camp dance to celebrate their adventure.

In preparation for camp, students completed an engineering challenge to design a diving suit capable of keeping a scientist warm in freezing Arctic waters. Using a digital simulation from our new TWIG Science Program, students experimented with variables such as suit material, layer thickness, and accessories like gloves and boots. They tested their virtual divers for both temperature retention and swimming ability, gathered data, and evaluated their designs to choose the most effective prototype. It was an awesome blend of science, technology, and creativity!

Math class is heading outside! Students will apply their knowledge of measurement conversion in a scavenger hunt around campus. Then, they’ll take on a real-world design challenge: calculating the surface area, volume, and cost of remodeling our school using laser tape measures and digital presentations. They’ll incorporate skills in ratios, percentages, and interest rates to determine the best deals and total costs—turning math into a powerful problem-solving tool.

In ELA, students recently hosted a Science Fair-style presentation, showcasing research projects through colorful posters and hands-on demonstrations. Their hard work and pride shone through in each project! In the coming weeks, students will dive into poetry and writing, along with fun language challenges as they master ten new affixes per week. It’s going to be a busy—and inspiring—month of May!

During the month of May in ELA, Mrs. Sheffer will be reading The Pushcart War by Jean Merrill aloud to students to finalize their literature work for the year. Overall the theme of this novel projects the idea that force shouldn't be a means to an end.

In 1986 in New York City a truck driver runs down a pushcart owned by Morris the Florist. This event leads to the disenchantment of other peddlers, car and taxi cab drivers with truckers who consistently crowd others, monopolize the best spaces, and block intersections. Humor keeps the plot and the characters close to our hearts.

The novel encompasses a full range of seventh grade Language Arts/Reading skills including vocabulary, making predictions, critical thinking, character comparisons, cause and effect, and plot elements. The following Word Splash highlights the various settings, characters, and events of this satirical novel that has been enjoyed by 7th graders for many years at Fairfield.

April brought an exciting adventure for our 7th graders—a field trip to the National Aquarium in Baltimore! Students had a blast observing many of the aquatic creatures they’ve studied in class. Highlights included playing rock-paper-scissors with scuba divers, getting splashed by dolphins, and spotting a sleeping sloth in the rainforest exhibit. The day wrapped up with a sunny picnic at the Inner Harbor, making it a memorable and fun-filled learning experience for all.

On April 12th, the 7th-grade class enjoyed an exciting and educational field trip to the National Aquarium in Baltimore. Students had the opportunity to explore a wide array of marine life, interact with hands-on exhibits, and deepen their understanding of ocean ecosystems and conservation efforts.

One of the highlights of the trip was the enthusiasm around axolotls—a fan favorite among the students. Many brought home axolotl-themed hats as souvenirs and proudly wore them throughout the day, adding a fun and memorable touch to the experience.

It was a fantastic day of learning, laughter, and exploration that our 7th graders won’t soon forget!

In science class, we’re embarking on our “Amazon of the Oceans” unit! 🌊 Students will explore key environmental topics such as ecotourism, overfishing, coral bleaching, biodiversity, and sustainability. This unit is full of discovery, and we’ll enhance learning through a variety of hands-on labs and activities.

Our Fairfield Area students are truly talented. Some of our students have worked over the course of the year to paint state flags in Mr. Ditty’s class during Knight Time.

Two of our more challenging flags have recently been completed: Vermont by Leah Burgett & Moira Sanders and Virginia by Alanna Johnson-Huddart, Mariah Salvermoser and Leah Salvermoser.

This month, our 8th-grade students took a meaningful step toward planning their futures during a special peer-led career presentation. High school seniors Emma Rodgers, Edward Gaskin, Delaney Gass, and Savannah Kahler visited the middle school to share valuable insights on resume writing, job searching, networking, and interviewing skills.

Each senior presented their personal resumes and discussed the academic, social, and career decisions that helped shape their goals. While our students already engage in career exploration through the Smart Futures curriculum, this session offered a powerful opportunity for direct learning from peers who were once in their shoes.

The presentation covered a wide range of post-secondary paths, including trade schools, college, and military service. Topics such as time management, social media presence, and course selection were also explored through thoughtful Q&A sessions.

Our 8th graders are on the cusp of exciting transitions—new classes, teachers, and opportunities—and this visit inspired them to embrace the future with confidence. Through the words and experiences of our seniors, they were encouraged to challenge themselves, make meaningful choices, and leave a positive impact on their school and community.

As we look back at April in the 8th Grade Social Studies and look forward to our last month together, we want to thank Mr. Beaver our student teacher for being part of our educational team.

Mr. Beaver joined the Fairfield Area Middle School’s 8th Grade Team in January and will be finishing up his time with us in early May. He is currently a senior education major at Shippensburg University. During his time as a Green Knight Mr. Beaver has taught a variety of Social Studies lessons ranging from teaching our students how to march as they would have at Valley Forge to learning about our local history through his historical markers project.

Mr. Beaver has enjoyed his time here both in the classroom and in the community. He is often seen at Fairfield sporting events cheering on our student athletes and even helping at Track and Field events. While we will miss Mr. Beaver, we are excited for what the future holds and know he will be a highly effective teacher and wish him all the best!

While we will miss Mr. Beaver, we are excited for what the future

holds and know he will be a highly effective teacher and wish him all the best!

A reminder of upcoming 8th Grade events:

Wednesday, May 21, 2025 8th Grade Gettysburg Field Trip

Tuesday, May 27, 2025 8th Grade Moving Up Celebration & Picnic

• Go old-school! Handwrite a note, send it in with your student. ✍🏻
  
• Send an email! 📩 To Mrs. Wheeler at wheelers@fairfield.k12.pa.us.
  

Don't Forget: Students are allowed 10 parent notes per year for absences.

You'll need to complete an Educational Journey Form. Students are allowed 5 educational journey days per year. Please submit your Educational Journey Form to Mrs. Wheeler at least 10 days prior to your trip.

In the April edition of "In the Middle of Fairfield",

the trivia question was: According to the 2020 census, Fairfield Borough has a population of 526. Can you guess Fairfield's population just before the Civil War?

Fairfield had a population of 215 just before the Civil War.

Sixth Grade Camp is coming up!

Can you guess the first established youth camp

in the United States?

Check back next month for the answer!

5/2: 2 hr delay for Students

5/5-9: Teacher Appreciation Week

5/7-9: 6th Grade Camp

5/8: Math 24

5/16: Choral Ensembles / Hershey Park

5/19: 5th Grade Field Trip

5/21: 8th Grade Field Trip

5/23: Knight A Thon

5/26: Memorial Day Holiday (District Closed)

5/28: PBIS Principal's Challenge Reward

5/29: Last Day of School for Students

Enjoy Summer Break!