December 19, 2025

This past week was filled with festive energy and bobcat pride as we wrapped up our final full week of school in 2025. Students enthusiastically participated in our spirit week, shared lots of smiles during Bingo with Dr. Southmayd, and began enjoying winter class parties that will continue into next week. It’s been a wonderful celebration of community, joy, and togetherness.

As we wind down our time together before the New Year, we want to extend our sincere gratitude to our families for your continued partnership. Your support helps make Fern Hill a place where meaningful learning experiences thrive for our Bobcats, and we’re excited to continue this important work together in 2026.

Included in this week’s newsletter is our Fern Hill Holiday Card, featuring the many staff members who contribute to your child’s learning experience each day. It truly takes a village, and we are grateful for this dedicated team.

Looking Ahead – Important Reminders:

• Monday, December 22: Full student day • Spirit Day: Shine Bright

• Tuesday, December 23: Half day for students • Pajama Day and our favorite school-wide sing-along to close out the 2025 school year

• December 24 - January 4: Winter Break

• January 5: Return to School

Please note that the school office will be closed during winter break. We kindly ask families to be mindful of email communication to staff during this time to allow our team to fully enjoy time with their own families. For any pressing needs that cannot wait until our return on January 5, families may contact Dr. Southmayd directly.

Wishing you a joyful, restful winter break—we look forward to learning together again soon!

Dec 8 - 23 - December Spirit Weeks!

Dec 23 - 1/2 Day for Students; 12:10 Dismissal

Dec 24 - Jan 2 - Winter Break - No School for Students

Jan 16 - Half Day for Students; Dismissal at 12:10pm

Jan 19 - Schools Closed

Jan 30 - PTO Bingo Night

On Thursday, December 18, your child brought home their Quarter 2 benchmark assessment reports, which include the following assessments:

• Happy Numbers Diagnostic (Grades K–1)

• IXL Real-Time Diagnostic (Grades 2–5) - A Guide to Understanding the Diagnostic Action Plan (Spanish)

• Firefly (Grade 5 only) - science assessment

Together, these reports provide a snapshot of your child’s current skill levels midway through the school year. The mid-year Acadience reading assessments will be administered in late January and reports will come home in early February with your child’s progress.

Please keep in mind that these are a few data points, and just part of the broader picture we use to understand and support your child’s learning throughout the year. A letter is also included in your child’s packet that further outlines the purpose of each assessment and how this information helps guide your child’s teacher team in personalizing instruction and setting learning goals.

Our homeroom teachers or specialists will connect with families directly if these assessments will result in any adjustments to a child’s instructional plan.

Thank you for your continued partnership as we build on the progress made during the first half of the school year!

Save the date for Fern Hill’s annual BINGO night Friday, January 30 at 5:45. This fun, high energy, family night will help kick your Winter blues to the curb! More info on registration, ticket and food purchases coming soon!

Thank you to the Hospitality Team and all who donated your time and baking talent to sweeten the day with home-baked cookies yesterday! The spread and decor was amazing and the cookies were delicious!!

Want one less thing on your to-do list in May? Order your yearbook early and save 10%—but hurry, the discount ends October 31st!

Click here to purchase [web.treering.com]

Earning money for our school has never been easier! All you need to do is download the Box Tops app, create an account, and scan your grocery receipt. Easy and quick! Last year we earned $500 from Box Tops for Fern Hill!

We love having our families volunteer throughout the building. In order to volunteer, adults are required to have their clearances on file with us. Clearances can take 4-6 weeks to acquire, so please be sure to get the process started if you're looking to volunteer this Fall.

If you are planning a family trip, please complete the Trip Approval Form to notify the Main Office and gain approval for your trip. The Vacation Request Form will also always be available on our Fern Hill Website under the "For Parents" section.

• Fern Hill Website
• PTO Website
• Vacation Approval Request Form

• FHE: Kindergarten Lunch Duty
• FHE: 1st Grade Lunch Duty

Jennifer Southmayd

Principal

Email: jsouthmayd@wcasd.net
Website: https://www.wcasd.net/fhe
Location: 915 Lincoln Avenue, West Chester, PA, USA
Phone: 484 266 1600
Twitter: @FernHillES