FC's Back to School 2026 Newsletter
2026 Back to School Update
Welcome Back, Fishing Creek Families!
We’re thrilled to welcome you to a brand-new school year at Fishing Creek — a year full of learning, friendships, and Shark pride. Whether you’re joining us for the first time or returning for another great year, know that our staff is ready to greet your child with a smile and help them start strong.
This newsletter includes important highlights to help make the first days smooth and successful — from schedules and routines to helpful reminders about arrival and dismissal. Together, we’ll make this year one to remember. Let’s dive in! 🦈💙
Important Dates and Events
Tuesday, August 18 at 6:00 PM
New Family Orientation (see information below)
Wednesday, August 19 at 6:00 PM
Back to School Night for Kindergarten, 1st Grade, & 2nd Grade
Tuesday, August 25 - First day of School!
Monday, August 31 at 6:00 PM
Back to School Night for 3rd Grade and 4th Grade
Friday, September 4 and Monday, September 7 - No School
Back to School Night
These evenings are designed as informational evenings for the parents/guardians. We recommend that children do not attend, if possible. Once you enter the building, please head directly to your child’s classroom. Staff members will be present to help point you in the correct direction once you enter the building.
There will not be a general assembly for parents beforehand. In order to accommodate families who may have multiple children across multiple grade levels and/or classrooms, we will be doing rotations so that you can visit each classroom and teacher. An announcement will be made over the intercom prior to this occurring. We hope to see you there!
New Family Orientation
School Start and End Times
Kindergarten (AM): 8:55–11:40 a.m.
Kindergarten (PM): 12:55–3:40 p.m.
Grades 1–4: 8:55 a.m.–3:40 p.m.
Doors will open for student drop-off at 8:35 AM!
Car Rider Information
Car Rider Drop-Off
-
AM K and 1st - 4th grade students: Begins 8:35 AM at Building 2 (flagpole side). Follow curb lane; staff will help students exit from the passenger side. Students should not exit the vehicle before 8:35 because staff are not present to supervise students at that time.
-
PM K: Begins 12:55 PM at the side of building 1. Park near the flagpole and walk students to the side door marked “Afternoon Kindergarten Drop-Off" near the mailbox.
ALL Students arriving late should report to the main office to receive a tardy slip. Please be prepared to provide an excuse for the tardy arrival or doctor's note.
Car Rider Pick-Up
-
AM K: 11:40 AM — Park in the lot in front of building 1 (turn left as soon as you enter campus); pick up at Building 1 under the covered overhang. Please show pick-up card.
-
PM K and 1st - 4th Grade Students: 3:40 PM Park where you can without blocking the neighbors driveway, pick up at Building 2 main entrance by the flagpole. Please show pick-up card.
Pick-Up Cards
As part of our dismissal procedures at Fishing Creek, all families will receive pickup cards at the beginning of the school year. They will come home with students in folders on the first day. When picking up at dismissal, you will be required to show the pickup card to the staff member on duty. Each student will receive two cards—please cut them apart and give one to anyone authorized to pick up your child. If a card is not presented, the adult will need to go to the office and sign your child out. These cards are only needed for regular afternoon pickup and not required for early dismissals during the school day for doctor's appointments, etc....
Attendance Basics
My Child Was Absent — What Do I Do?
You must report an absence within 3 days using one of these approved methods, or it will be marked unlawful:
-
PowerSchool: Enter the absence online.
-
Email: fcabsent@wssd.k12.pa.us — include student name, teacher, date, and reason.
-
Call: 717-938-6567 — leave the same details; send a note when your child returns.
If your child is absent 3+ consecutive days, a note from a licensed practitioner of the healing arts is required. Board policy allows 6 parent-verified absences per year; all others will require a note from a licensed practitioner of the healing arts.
Unlawful Absences:
-
3 unexcused days → written notice will be provided and possible School Attendance Conference.
-
6+ unexcused days → referral to children & youth and possible court citation.
Educational Trips During the School Year
District policy permits up to 5 travel days each school year. Complete the Educational Field Trip Request Form (on the district website) and return it to the office at least 5 school days before your trip for approval from Mr. Wensel. You will receive confirmation by mail once approved.
School Supplies
Your student will need a backpack that can fit a folder inside of it. If you need assistance with obtaining a backpack, please contact the school office. We will provide all other school supplies that your child will need. Students will also need sneakers for PE Class!
Meals at School
- Breakfast is available daily for AM Kindergarten and Grades 1–4.
- Kindergarten students (except KAP) do not eat lunch at school.
- Grades 1–4 eat lunch daily in the cafeteria.
- Breakfast: a first breakfast is free to all students
- Lunch: $3.45 (not free—please see the district Food Services page to apply for Free/Reduced Lunch. Paper copies of Free/Reduced form will come home in the students’ first day folder.) If you think you may qualify, it doesn't hurt to fill out the form to find out!
Menus and more info are on the Food Services tab of the district website: https://www.wssd.k12.pa.us/foodservices.aspx
PBIS
At Fishing Creek, Sharks are Safe, Sharks are Kind, and Sharks are Responsible—and we work hard to teach and celebrate those expectations all year long. Through our PBIS (Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports) program, students learn what those behaviors look like in different parts of the school. When they demonstrate them, they can earn Shark Tickets as a form of positive recognition. K–2 students shop weekly at the Shark Cart, and students in grades 3–4 visit the Shark Store for fun prizes and experiences. We love catching our Sharks doing the right thing!
We'll be looking for volunteers to help run the 3rd and 4th grade Shark Store. Stay tuned for sign-ups at the beginning of the year.
MTSS
In addition to PBIS, our team at Fishing Creek uses an MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports) framework to make sure all students get what they need to be successful—academically, socially, and emotionally. This means we’re regularly looking at student data and progress to provide the right support at the right time. Whether it’s extra practice with reading or math, check-ins with a trusted adult, or small group instruction, we work together to meet students where they are. Our goal is to make sure every Shark is supported and ready to grow!
Character Strong
Through the use of the CharacterStrong curriculum, we have an opportunity to help our children learn the value of empathy, service, and connection. Along with strong academics, our goal is to teach students to be capable, compassionate people, and to empower them to become the best versions of themselves. When our students feel safe, supported, and part of a community, they perform better, act with more kindness, and want to show up to school each day. We believe this curriculum will have a powerful and positive impact on the climate and culture of our school, and it is our hope that families will join us in this work to build a kinder school culture and, ultimately, a kinder world. Find out more about CharacterStrong on our district website at: https://www.wssd.k12.pa.us/CharacterStrongSEL.aspx
iPad Update
Beginning this school year, iPads for students in grades K–4 will remain at school for instructional use and will no longer be sent home. This change supports more purposeful use of technology during the school day, reduces classroom disruptions caused by missing or uncharged devices, and promotes a healthy balance between technology and home life. Additional information about weather-related instructional plans will be shared before the start of the school year.
Follow us on Instagram
As always, please contact us if you have questions or need assistance!
Matthew Wensel
Principal - Fishing Creek Elementary School
717-938-6565
Mrs. Alyssa Tofani
Assistant Principal - Fishing Creek Elementary School
Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter @FCSharks1 and Instagram @FCSharks1 to see the awesome things happening here at FC!