Hamburg Area High School Newsletter
March 2026
Dear Hamburg Families,
As we step into April, we find ourselves at a crucial point in the school year. Below are some important updates as we move forward together.
Class Scheduling
Class scheduling for the 2026-2027 school year is well underway. Administration and staff are working diligently to ensure that students are placed in courses that align with their academic goals and interests.
Spring Sports
Spring sports are in full swing, bringing excitement and school spirit to our campus. We encourage everyone to come out and support our student-athletes as they compete and represent our Hawk Pride.
Drama Revue
As we embrace the season, we also look forward to celebrating the incredible talents of our student musicians. Join us for various musical and drama-related performances at the:
Performing Arts Drama Revue Friday, March 27th @ 7pm, HAHS Auditorium.
Fourth Quarter
With the third quarter coming to a close, we now enter the final stretch of the academic year. This is a great time for students to reflect on their progress, set goals, and make a strong push toward the finish line. Let’s keep the momentum going and finish the year on a high note!
Thank you for your continued support, and let’s make this last quarter our best one yet!
Warm regards,
Ryan McGinley
Principal
2026-2027 BCTC APPLICATION UPDATE
First-Round BCTC Decisions
What should I do if I have questions about my acceptance to BCTC or about being placed on the BCTC waitlist?
*Please see Mrs. Del Conte in the library should you have any questions regarding your BCTC decision.
May I still apply to BCTC for next school year?
*Yes! BCTC will continue to accept applications, but please be aware that most programs are on a waitlist. There is always a possibility that you will get your program choice, but it's a good idea to have a solid backup plan for next school year.
Attention Seniors!
Are you interested in attending BCTC as an Adult Student after high school graduation?
BCTC’s Adult/Continuing Education programs offer individuals the education, technical skills and industry certifications that are key for success in the new economy.
BCTC provides Adult Students:
Certificate of Competency in over 30 programs
Industry Certifications
Flexible scheduling
Two convenient locations
Day, Evening, CDL, and online programs
Affordable pricing
Highly-qualified, industry trained instructors
State-of-the art labs and equipment
Course content that is continuously updated with input from Berks County employers
Financial aid available to qualified students in qualified Day School programs.
Summer Nature Camp Counselor Internship @ HAWK MOUNTAIN
Hawk Mountain Sanctuary is seeking an intern that wants to gain experiences working with youth outdoors! Our Education Intern program provides teens with leadership training and experience. Interns will assist the staff by being role models for campers, helping campers with activities, leading games, and assisting with supervising, setting up and cleaning up. This training and experience provide interns with opportunities to learn and practice age-appropriate teaching methods, activity planning, emergency training, and leadership skills.
Apply here: Hawk Mountain Sanctuary Summer Camp Counselor in Training Application 2026 – Fill out form
Summer Experiences and Camps!
Visit the HS Counselor Summer Program webpage https://www.hasdhawks.org/o/hahs/page/summer-advanced-programs
OR find opportunities of your own in and around the state.
- PFEW PA Free Enterprise Week (camp) https://www.pfew.org/ See Mrs. Keck or Mrs. Del Conte
- PSU Berks summer camps https://berks.psu.edu/ce/summer-camps
REQUEST YOUR HIGH SCHOOL TRANSCRIPT
FINANCIAL AID- FAFSA is required for all students planning to attend a two or four-year college
Students attending college must complete the FAFSA. This process is started online and must also be completed with parent(s)/guardian(s).
Visit https://secure.smore.com/n/gxbvt for resources from the Counseling Office!
FAFSA https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa
PHEAA https://www.pheaa.org/
PHEAA is the state's financial aid organization that assists eligible Pennsylvanians with affording higher education. All students should also apply for state grant funds each year they are enrolled in college.
*NEW* Grow PA Scholarships
Grow PA program helps in-state students pay for school and builds the PA workforce for in-demand occupations.
Eligibility:
- File the 2026-2027 FAFSA and be a current PA resident
- Meet satisfactory academic progress for Title IV fin aid
- Enrolled at least half-time in eligible associate or bachelor's degree program that leads to a job in an in-demand occupation
- Sign a Master Promissory Note agreeing to repay all funds received if the work requirement is not met
Student Scholarships.org
Great one-stop webpage that gathers local, state, and national scholarship opportunities. Create an account to filter scholarships to your situation in order to target the scholarships you are eligible to apply to. There are thousands of scholarships across the US, but you might only be eligible for a handful based on college major or program (trade or other), GPA, community service, etc.
HAHS Counselor Webpage: Financial Aid and Scholarships
Visit the HAHS Counselor Webpage for additional financial aid and scholarship resources!
SAT REGISTRATION
SAT Exam Dates 2025-2026 💻
Register online. Review Bluebook, the online exam program. All students with Chromebooks have the Bluebook app downloaded and need to be logged out of computer to access the app.
- May 2, 2026 (Registration Deadline 4/17)
- June 6, 2026 (Registration Deadline 5/22)
- August 22, 2026
- September 12, 2026
- October 3, 2026
- November 7, 2026..and more December and into 2027.
SAT Prep Collegeboard
Do not take an exam without studying. Use Collegeboard resources or sign up for a SAT prep course. Khan Academy is a free service linked to Collegeboard. Check it out!
PSU Berks SAT Prep💲
Mondays in person, 6:30-8pm, and two Saturday mornings
April 13- June 1 AND July 6-August 17
SAT Prep Private
Your Study Connection, Dr. Shaunna Crossen 💲
- Services available: College planning, Essay writing, SAT Prep, and more!
Welcome the First Day of Spring!
As we shake off the winter chill, the new season brings a sense of renewal, growth, and opportunity. It’s the perfect time to reconnect with the world around us. What better way to promote overall wellness than by embracing the outdoors?
Spring is a great time to remind yourself of the importance of taking a break from your usual routine and stepping outside. Whether you're heading to the park, taking a walk around the neighborhood, or just sitting outside to enjoy the sunshine, getting outside can do wonders for your mental and emotional well-being.
Senior Class Trip
For the class trip to Wildwood on May 29th, students should start to think about what they want to do for the day and who they want to spend their time with. All students are to be grouped in a buddy system with a minimum of 3 students together.
Yard Signs
The final yard sign order is due no later than March 31st!!!
Samples and prices are on my teacher website.
Class of 2026 Graduation Ceremony
Class of 2026 Graduation
Friday, June 5th, 2026, at 6:00 pm
High School Gymnasium
View schedule here but contact Mrs. McCarthy for appointment: Class of 2027 school site.
- Thursday, May 7th 8am – 3pm 📸 Friday, May 8th 8am – 3pm 📸
- Thursday August 6th 8am – 3pm 📸 Friday August 7th 8am – 3pm
There is no charge for Senior Portraits and these are the photos that will appear in the Yearbook. HAHS will not accept photos from other photographers. You are not required to buy any photos from Barksdale, although they offer competitive pricing on packages. They will share proofs after the portrait session. Even if students are not purchasing a package, they should have their photo taken to be used for the Yearbook, School ID, School records, Certificates, Awards, and Local Press.
News and Tips from the Nurse's Office
Nurse Reminders
Make up school physicals with our school physician are scheduled to take place on 4/10/26. If you gave permission for your 11th grade student to receive a physical and they were absent on the initial exam day, it will be completed on 4/10.
Looking ahead: ALL current 11th grade students will need a Meningitis vaccine PRIOR to the first day of 12th grade, unless the student has a medical or religious/philosophical exemption. If your child has already received this immunization, please submit the updated copy of their immunization record to the school nurse.
11th grade students are required by PA State law to have a physical examination. If you have not yet submitted this form, it is past due, please submit it now! If you need the physical form, please check out the Health Services page on the HASD website. It would be located under forms. You can also have your student stop by the nurse’s office to pick up a paper copy.
If your student received a vision or hearing referral in the mail earlier in the year, please submit the completed form to the nurse. If your child has not yet been evaluated by the appropriate medical provider, please schedule an appointment. Feel free to reach out with questions or concerns.
It is still cold and flu season. If your student is ill, they should not return to school until they are fever free x 24 hours WITHOUT fever reducing medicine and symptoms significantly improved!
Melissa Dunn M.Ed., BSN, RN, CSN
Certified School Nurse
Hamburg Area High School
610-562-2241 ext. 2560
