Old Trail Intermediate Summer News

Spring has definitely spring! The weather is warmer, the grass is greener, and the sun shines brighter. This month we have numerous activities occurring here at Old Trail, many of which are listed below.

One of the notable events is the annual Pennsylvania System School Assessment (PSSA) test. This year our PSSA testing dates are April 22-24 for ELA, April 28-29 for math, and April 30-May 1 for science in grade 5 only. Please help your student to be prepared by making sure they get adequate rest. Teachers will not be assigning homework during this time, so students can focus on the tests themselves. One testing days, we will be running our academic schedule on the same schedule we use for 2-hour delays so all students will still have specials, lunch, and recess times. Any students absent on testing days will be asked to make up the tests soon upon their return to school. We appreciate your help and support with this endeavour.

Are you checking your emails or SeeSaw account regularly? Our staff often communicates with parents through email or SeeSaw, so please check these often so you don't miss any important information from your child's teacher or the office.

In addition to our electronic newsletter, all West Shore School District members should be receiving the latest edition of Points of Pride in their home mailboxes.

The Spring 2025 edition includes: 2025-2026 Budget Development, Stories of the West Shore Natatorium, a breakdown of how the District utilizes federal funding, the Auditor General's performance audit of cyber charter schools, and much more. To view the edition online, click here.

April is the Month of the Military Child, a time to recognize the sacrifices and contributions of children in military families. Purple represents all branches of the military, symbolizing our unity and support. On Thursday, April 10th, we invite all students, staff, and district residents to participate in Purple Up! Day by wearing purple.

Let’s come together as a community to show our appreciation and encouragement for our military-connected students. Wear your purple proudly on April 10th and help spread awareness!

In March each of our teachers nominated a student for demonstrating our character trait of the month, COOPERATION. These students will be honored at our PBIS assembly and are highlighted in the showcase by the gym. Congratulations to all our cooperative students! This month is all about Courage. One way to think about Courage is “choosing what is helpful, right, and kind even when it is hard or scary.” Courage can look a little different for everyone. We have all demonstrated Courage in our lives. Many of us have seen people practice Courage in ways that have inspired us. We are looking forward to seeing Courage displayed throughout Old Trail.

JA BizTown is an 8,000 square foot mini-city housing a variety of business storefronts. Students participating in the JA BizTown program complete lessons taught in the classroom in preparation to run a business and manage their personal and business finances. Classroom preparation also encompasses career exploration, applying for a job, and job interviews. Our sixth grade students have worked hard on this program and enjoyed their visit this week. The trip to JA BizTown was an exhilarating 4 1/2 hour simulated workday experience for students as they immersed themselves in the role of a JA BizTown citizen for the day. As CEOs, CFOs, Ad Executives, Bank Tellers, Video Game Coders, Graphic Designers to name just a few of the exciting job opportunities in JA BizTown, students took on the role of a business team member in addition to participating in the BizTown economy as a consumer during their lunch and shopping breaks.

A District and Sodexo tradition, the 2025 Future Chefs Culinary Challenge took place at Allen Middle School Thursday evening. The competition featured students from many of our District buildings, combined with a mentor, to determine a District champion!

Congratulations to Old Trail Intermediate's Mylah Bordner, Grade 5. and her 'Halibut with Lemon Butter Sauce' for winning first place! Mylah will now move on to regional competition with her culinary delight.

Cabrini Coldren won the Veterans of Foreign Wars and Auxiliary Coloring Contest for grade 5. She was presented with a $50 check and certificate for her efforts. Congratulations!

We will be managing the following social media accounts this year...

Instagram- OTPatriots

X (Twitter)- @OTPatriots

Facebook (managed by PTO)- Old Trail Intermediate School PTO

Please follow, like, and watch as we will post OTIS happenings throughout the year!

Below are some important upcoming dates:

• Tuesday and Wednesday April 1-2 BizTown trip grade 6

• Wednesday, April 2 OTIS PTO Skating Party at Fountainbleu from 6:00 until 8:30 pm

• Wednesday, April 9 PTO meeting at Old Trail at 6:30 pm

• Monday, April 14 Old Trail Open House 5:30 - 7:00 pm and PTO Food Trucks

• Thursday, April 17 Remote Learning Day for students

• Friday, April 18 and Monday April 21 NO SCHOOL for students

• April 22 - May 1 PSSA testing

The Old Trail PTO has been doing an amazing job this year and are very appreciative of the parents who stepped up to take on the huge task of starting a PTO from scratch. Thank you also to all our families who have participated in our family events and community night fundraisers. Our next PTO meeting will be held Wednesday, April 9 at 6:30 pm in the Old Trail Learning Commons (library). We will also have a ZOOM option for those who cannot attend in person. We hope many of you will join us.

There is a skating night on Wednesday, April 2 at 6:00 pm at Fountainbleu for all Old Trail Students. The PTO is also sponsoring Food Trucks at our Spring Open House, Monday, April 14, which will each be donating part of their profits to the PTO. Plans are also in the works for a Fun Run fundraiser next month as well as a spring dance. Nominations of officers for next year will occur at this month's meeting with elections being held at the May meeting. We hope you can join us and thank you for your support!