Welcome Back, Griffins!

As we open the doors to another school year at Sullivan County School District, I want to extend a warm welcome to our students, families, faculty, staff, and community. We are excited to begin a new year together and look forward to the opportunities, accomplishments, and memories that await.

We recognize that there have been many changes across our district in recent months. While change may bring unrest, we've taken the challenges and have new opportunities, fresh perspectives, and a renewed sense of purpose as we look ahead. Throughout the summer, our dedicated staff has been hard at work preparing for the return of our students; planning, organizing, maintaining our facilities, strengthening our programs, and ensuring we are ready to provide the best possible learning environment from the very first day of school to the very end.

This newsletter is designed to keep our stakeholders informed about the many happenings that have taken place over the summer months. Inside, you'll find updates on district initiatives, facility improvements, staffing, transportation, student services, and other important information that reflects the work completed in preparation for the new school year.

At Sullivan County School District, we believe that a strong partnership between our schools, families, and community is essential to student success. We are grateful for your continued support and look forward to working together as we inspire every Griffin to learn, grow, and soar.

On behalf of our faculty, staff, and administration, welcome back! Here's to a safe, successful, and rewarding school year. We can't wait to see what we will accomplish together.

Ms. Kahler, Superintendent

Go Griffins!

The countdown is on! We are excited to officially welcome students back to Sullivan County School District on Thursday, August 20. Our faculty and staff have been hard at work preparing for a successful school year, and we can't wait to fill our classrooms and hallways with the energy and excitement of our Griffin family once again. Here's to a fantastic start to the 2026–2027 school year!

https://docs.google.com/videos/d/15lBSXKR_wret8j6_zJExMct2EAdTSLz6DBsk3qoRN8Q/play?usp=sharing

We are making some updates to our student cell phone procedures to help create a focused, safe, and distraction-free learning environment.

When can students use their phones?
Students may have and use their cell phones before the first bell, during lunch, and after the last bell. During all other times, cell phones must be turned off/silenced and stored in the student’s locker.

What happens if the policy is not followed?

• 1st Offense: The teacher will take the phone and hold it until the end of the class period. The phone will then be returned to the student, who must take it directly to their locker.
• 2nd Offense: The teacher will take the phone and turn it in to the office. The student may pick up the phone from the office at the end of the school day.
• 3rd & Subsequent Offenses: The teacher will take the phone and turn it in to the office. A parent/guardian will be required to pick up the phone.

A Few Important Reminders

• Teachers and office staff will not look through or access the contents of a student's phone.
• Cell phone offenses will be tracked per student, not per class. A shared tracking system will allow staff to maintain a consistent record of offenses.
• These procedures are being put in place as we prepare for the 2027–28 school year, when Pennsylvania's new requirements will require student cell phones to be away from the first bell through the last bell.

Thank you to our students, families, and staff for helping us establish clear and consistent expectations around cell phone use. Together, we can keep our Griffins focused, connected, and ready to learn!

This school year, families will have the option to purchase non-refundable Chromebook insurance through the school district. The insurance is designed to help protect your student’s school-issued device in the event of accidental damage.

Information and enrollment materials will be sent home with students during their first few days of school. Families who would like to participate can review the information and choose to purchase coverage.

What Does the Insurance Cover?

• The optional insurance provides coverage for accidental damage on the first and second occasions during the school year.

Please note that insurance does not cover damage determined by Administration to be intentional, negligent, malicious, or vandalistic, as defined by Board Policy.

💰 Coverage Cost

• Single-Student Family: $40 per student, per year*

• Multi-Student Family: $40 for the first student / $25 for the second student / $10 for each additional student**

*Coverage is non-refundable.
**Multi-student pricing applies to students within the same family.

Families are encouraged to review the information sent home and consider whether Chromebook insurance is the right choice for their student.

A little protection can go a long way in keeping our Griffins connected and learning! 💻

Good news, Griffin families! You can now electronically add money to your student’s lunch account for convenient, cash-free payments.

A step-by-step guide is attached to help you get started. This is an easy way to make sure your student has funds available for meals throughout the school year.

Less cash to carry, more convenience for families! 🍎💻

We are excited to continue offering both Music and Art instruction for students in our elementary and high school during the 2026–2027 school year.

While these programs may look a little different than in years past, our commitment to providing meaningful opportunities for students to explore their creativity, develop their talents, and express themselves through the arts remains unchanged.

This year, Mrs. Adam's will lead our district's music program, and Mrs. Swift will serve as our district's art teacher. Both educators are passionate about their craft and are eager to welcome students into their classrooms, fostering creativity, confidence, and a love of the arts.

We recognize that change can bring new experiences and opportunities. We appreciate the flexibility and support of our students, families, and staff as we begin this new chapter. We are confident that Mrs. Swift and Mrs. Adams will provide engaging, high-quality experiences that inspire our students and continue the proud tradition of arts education at Sullivan County School District.

We look forward to seeing our students learn, create, perform, and grow throughout the school year.

All district students and staff will participate in age-appropriate bullying prevention training. Representatives from the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General will provide the training, focusing on prevention strategies, recognizing and reporting bullying, and fostering a safe, respectful school environment.

All Staff - September 3, 2026

Family/Community Night - October 7, 2026

All Students - October 8, 2026

School bus safety is a shared responsibility! As our Griffins travel to and from school each day, please help us keep everyone safe by reviewing these important reminders :

• 🟡 Yellow flashing lights: Slow down and prepare to stop. The bus is getting ready to stop.
• 🔴 Red flashing lights: STOP! When the bus has stopped and its red lights are flashing, drivers must stop and remain stopped until the lights are off and the bus begins moving again.
• 🚗 Give buses plenty of space: Never pass a stopped school bus with its red lights flashing. Watch carefully for students who may be crossing the road.
• 👀 Be alert around bus stops: Slow down and stay attentive in areas where children are waiting for or getting off the bus.
• 🚌 Follow your driver's directions: Students should remain seated, keep aisles clear, and follow all bus safety expectations.

Let's work together to make sure every Griffin gets to school and home safely! 🚌

While our hallways may have been quiet this summer, our custodial and maintenance teams have been anything but busy! These behind-the-scenes Griffin team members have been hard at work getting our schools ready to welcome everyone back.

From scrubbing and shining floors, lockers, and desks to repainting parking lot lines and freshening up our buildings, they have truly helped make our schools shine. They’ve even enhanced our curb appeal—literally!—by reapplying safety paint to areas that help remind students and visitors where to slow down, stop, and stay alert.

Their hard work often happens quietly behind the scenes, but the results are impossible to miss. Thank you to our incredible custodial and maintenance staff for putting in the time, care, and elbow grease to make our schools clean, safe, welcoming, and Griffin-ready!