Asa Packer News

Please see below for this week's news.

This year, Parent/Teacher conference sign-ups will be done through ClassDojo. Sign-ups are open for all classroom teachers. Conferences will be held on Monday, November 24, 2025, and Tuesday, November 25, 2025.

Parents requesting a time to meet with one of our specialist teachers should contact them directly either through Class Dojo or at their email address below.

Art - jsesposito@basdschools.org

Digital Literacy - jmertz@basdschools.org

Music - mogden@basdschools.org

Physical Education - afelt@basdschools.org

Spanish - rlwilson@basdschools.org

Instrumental Music - sconrad@basdschools.org

Reading Specialist - jdacosta@basdschools.org

Teachers are always available to discuss any questions/issues throughout the school year. We look forward to meeting with you and discussing your child's educational progress, strengths, and needs.

This month, students are encouraged to share Leader in Me - Habit 1: Be Proactive with their families. Students have learned this means taking responsibility for their choices and actions. Families are encouraged to complete one or more activities from the list together to help students practice being proactive and positive leaders. Many of these activities are likely things your family already does! Our goal is to help connect the leadership language we use at school to the wonderful things that are happening in your homes.

How to Participate:

1. Complete one or more activities as a family before December 2.

2. Use the link on the flyer to submit your completed activity for recognition in December.

• Please submit only ONE form per student for the month. Do not submit multiple forms for different activities.
• If you have multiple students in your family, please submit one form for EACH student's activities for the month.

3. Celebrate being proactive and making positive choices at home and school!

Students participating in before-school activities should arrive no earlier than five minutes prior to the start of their activity. Students will not be let into the building if arriving before that time.

FALL PARTY SUCCESS!

A HUGE thank you to all the Room Parents, Party Helpers, and everyone who donated supplies to make our Fall parties such a success! The students and helpers had an amazing afternoon — we truly couldn’t have done it without you. The Asa Packer community has already shown how strong we are when we work together and how much we can do for our students and staff.

Asa Packer’s Halloween Parade around the neighborhood was also a fantastic time! The Puma Partners had a blast walking together and showing off their creative costumes. It was wonderful to see so many families come out to support our students and staff.

CANDLE SALE UPDATE!

Herberry Candle Fundraiser Success!

We’re thrilled to share that the Herberry Candle Fundraiser was a huge success! As of the closing date, we sold an amazing 152 candles!

Candle order pickup: Friday November 14th 3:30 pm to 6 pm. Asa Packer Playground.

A big thank you to everyone who sold and purchased candles — your support makes a difference. Thanks to your efforts, the PTA earned $760 in profit, which will go directly toward funding student activities, class trips, and providing classrooms with valuable learning tools.

Your participation helps make our school community stronger.

GET YOUR BOWL ON!

Asa Packer Bowling Fundraiser – This Sunday!

Rain is in the forecast, so stay dry and come bowl with your friends from Asa Packer at Hampton Lanes this Sunday from 2–4 PM! Enjoy an afternoon of strikes, spares, and smiles while supporting our school.

Tickets: $20 per person
(Includes Lane and shoe rental)

Give Back: $10 from each ticket will be donated to the Asa Packer PTA, helping to fund assemblies, class trips, and other exciting programs.

You can still purchase tickets through the Givebacks site until Sunday, or buy them at the door — a PTA member will be on hand at the bowling alley.
(Please bring cash or a check made out to “Asa Packer PTA.”)

Already bought your tickets?
No need to worry about them getting lost on the way home! PTA members will hand out pre-purchased tickets at the event for your convenience.

We can’t wait to see everyone for a fun afternoon of bowling and community!

https://tinyurl.com/ASABOWLING2025

FOLLOW US

Stay connected, follow us on...

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/asapacker.pta

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asapackerpta

Questions? Feel free to reach out via email- asapackerpta@gmail.com

We are continuing our efforts this school year to support families in need of assistance with food, clothing, and other essential items. This may include Thanksgiving turkeys, holiday gifts around Christmas, and gift cards to local supermarkets.

If your family could benefit from this support, please scan the QR code below to complete a short, confidential Google Form. All information shared will be kept private and used only to provide appropriate assistance.

We’re here for you.. please don’t hesitate to reach out if we can help in any way!

https://forms.gle/f7SN4Xnd53BXyiRt8

Please see below for the updated Personal Electronic Device Policy and Procedures that will be in effect for the upcoming school year.

The goal with this updated policy is to cultivate a learning environment where students can fully engage with their teachers and peers, absorb information more effectively, and develop essential focus skills.

The updated policy and procedures for cell phone use is as follows:

• Cell phones must be silenced and not on-person (e.g., in backpacks, lockers, or designated classroom areas) from the start of the school day until the final dismissal.
• Students will not be permitted to use their cell phones during instructional periods, breakfast, lunch, recess, or transition times.
• We understand the need for communication. In case of an emergency or if you need to reach your child, please contact the school office, and we will ensure your message is delivered promptly.

We understand that adapting to new policies can take time, and we appreciate your partnership in reinforcing these expectations with your children. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation as we work together to create the most effective learning environment.

Attached are the attendance procedures. Please review these documents.

In the event of an absence, a parent or Dr. note is required. Absence notes may be emailed directly to the office at asapackerattendance@basdschools.org. If you are sending the teacher a Dojo message, an email message to this address should also be completed.

If you forget to send a note about a change of pickup or an early pickup, please call the office. This way we can be sure the teacher gets notified. Do not send a Dojo message or email the teacher during the day as the message may not be seen until a later time.

If you moved over the summer, please submit updated contact information to the Main Office. This will allow mailings to be sent to the correct address. Verification of residency will be needed to update an address in the district system.

Any questions pertaining to transportation should be directed to that particular office. Information regarding district transportation for the 2024-2025 school year will be mailed to your home directly from the Transportation Office in mid-August. The Transportation Department can be reached at 610-861-0360.

Please Review and Follow the Procedures Below to Ensure Student Safety at All Times

To help maintain a safe and efficient arrival and dismissal process, we kindly ask all families to follow these important guidelines:

Drop-Off & Pick-Up Reminders:

• You may either:

  • Park in the lot and walk your child across the bus lane using the crosswalk, or

  • Use the student drop-off lane, allowing your child to exit the car and walk along the sidewalk to the building.

• If you need to get out of your car to assist your child, please park in a designated parking spot. Do not stop or leave your vehicle in the drop-off lane.

Safety Guidelines:

• Always use crosswalks—both students and adults.

• Cars are not permitted in the bus lane at any time.

• Only park in designated parking spaces—do not park or idle along curbs.

• When picking up your child early or at dismissal, please walk to the building to meet them.

• Do not leave children unattended outside the building before or after school hours.

• Follow all posted signs—these procedures are enforced for everyone’s safety.

• No pets are allowed on school property at any time.

• Please do not block access to the handicap parking spaces during drop-off. We have families who rely on those spaces, and at times, they are unable to pull in due to vehicles obstructing the area.

Thank you for your continued support and cooperation in keeping our students safe!

• Grade K , Grade 1 and Grade 2 students will enter/dismiss through the Primary doors.
• Grade 3, Grade 4, and Grade 5 students will enter/dismiss through the Intermediate doors.
• Bus students will enter through the appropriate Primary and Intermediate doors. They will be dismissed one bus at a time after the walkers have entered the building.
• If you are escorting your child to the door, please park in the lot. Please use your good judgement and keep safety the highest priority.

Please make sure your family is connected to our classrooms.

• Teachers will communicate to guardians about their “Quiet hours” procedures.
  
• Teachers will respond to emails/messages within 24 hours during the work week.
• Weekend/holiday messages will be responded to by the end of the next school day.

Email: jchorvath@basdschools.org
Website: https://basdwpweb.beth.k12.pa.us/asapacker/
Location: 1650 Kenwood Drive, Bethlehem, PA, USA
Phone: 610-865-0660
Twitter: @AsaPackerBASD