AE Weekly Newsletter

As testing continues this week, it’s common for students to start feeling a mix of fatigue, pressure, or even overconfidence. This is a great time for families to make small adjustments that can have a big impact on how children show what they truly know.

Here are some fresh tips and strategies to help your child stay strong through the remainder of PSSA testing:

Reset the Mindset Each Day

Even if earlier tests didn’t feel great (or felt too easy), encourage your child to treat each day as a fresh start. A simple reminder like, “Today is a new chance to show what you know,” can help them refocus and avoid carrying stress forward.

Talk About “Stamina,” Not Just “Smarts”

By this point, testing becomes more about endurance than ability. Help your child understand that:

• Feeling tired is normal
• Taking their time is important
• Pacing themselves is part of doing well

You might compare it to running a long race—it’s okay to go steady instead of fast.

Practice “Pause and Check”

Remind your child to build in small mental checkpoints:

• After every few questions, pause briefly
• Ask: “Did I really read that carefully?”
• Double-check directions before moving on

These short resets can prevent careless mistakes.

Protect Sleep (Even More Than Usual)

Mid-week fatigue is real. Try to:

• Keep bedtime consistent (even if routines have slipped)
• Limit screens at least 30 minutes before bed
• Encourage winding down with something calming

Well-rested brains handle multi-step thinking much better.

Upgrade Brain Fuel

If possible, add a little extra protein or long-lasting energy to breakfast:

• Eggs, yogurt, peanut butter, or whole grains
• A balanced snack for later (if your school allows it)

Avoid sugary options that can lead to energy crashes mid-test.

Ask Better Questions After School

Instead of “How was the test?” (which often gets a one-word answer), try:

• “What kind of question made you think the hardest today?”
• “What strategy helped you the most?”
• “What will you do the same or differently tomorrow?”

This builds reflection and confidence without adding pressure.

Focus on Effort, Not Outcomes

Continue reinforcing that:

• Doing their best matters more than getting everything right
• Mistakes are part of learning
• You’re proud of their effort and perseverance

Children who feel supported—not judged—tend to perform more confidently.

Teach a Simple Reset Strategy

If your child feels stuck or overwhelmed, encourage:

• Close eyes for 5 seconds
• Take a slow breath in and out
• Re-read the question

This quick reset can reduce anxiety and improve focus.

Keep Mornings Calm and Predictable

Avoid rushing or last-minute stress. A smooth morning routine helps students walk into school feeling in control and ready.

These final testing days are all about consistency, confidence, and endurance. Your encouragement and steady support make a real difference in helping your child finish strong!

We have exciting news! Our school is partnering with Books Are Fun and the Book Blast program to help put brand-new, age-appropriate books into the hands of every one of our students!

Hear from a real school about the magic of Book Blast and Books Are Fun: Fulton Elementary News Clip

Here’s why we love Book Blast:

• Every student receives books they’ll love and want to read
• 100% of all contributions go directly to books and classroom needs
• The book list is thoughtfully curated and truly engaging

Here’s how your student can join the fun:

They’ll be bringing home a Treasure Map—their ticket to joining the fun, earning books , and unlocking awesome prizes! It’s simple, exciting, and brings reading to your home.

Keep an eye out for a message from me with more details soon. Make sure your kids can join in on the fun!

In the meantime, you can learn more about Books Are Fun and the Book Blast program https://www.bb.booksarefun.com/testimonials.

Please note:

• If you would prefer that your child not receive a book (each child will receive at least one book regardless of participation), please reach out to their classroom teacher.
• If you would like your child to receive books from a different grade level, please share this information with their classroom teacher. Book packs are shown on the treasure maps, coming home tomorrow.

We’re looking forward to a great kickoff!

We are pleased to partner with Compass Mark to present the CATCH My Breath program to our sixth-grade students. In the coming weeks, due to grant funding from the Lebanon County Drug and Alcohol Commission, Compass Mark will offer an evidence-based prevention program to our students.

Students will participate in CATCH My Breath, a research-based curriculum designed to prevent youth vaping. Research shows that most students are curious about e-cigarettes and that vaping is a growing problem in middle and high schools nationwide. CATCH My Breath was developed by health education experts from The University of Texas School of Public Health. Survey data shows most teens believe e-cigarettes are safe. This program explains misconceptions about vaping/e-cigarettes, peer and advertising pressure to use e-cigarettes, and the health impact/hazards of e-cigarettes/vaping.

CATCH My Breath is a curriculum used in regional school districts, including Cornwall Lebanon, Palmyra, Northern Lebanon, and Lebanon.

As part of the CATCH My Breath program, students will be asked to complete a pre-and post-program survey. This survey is completely anonymous and is used to gain an understanding of the level of increased knowledge the students have after participating in the program. Compass Mark uses the outcome data to ensure the CATCH My Breath program is effective and reports the findings to the County when applying for additional funding opportunities.

As a parent and caregiver, you may request that your child not participate in the CATCH My Breath survey and/or program. If you do not want your child to participate, please submit your request in writing to Mrs. Erica Bachman by May 11th. She can be reached at ebachman@acschools.org.

Additional Information:

Program Overview

Survey

Additional Parent Information

As warmer weather arrives, we begin to see a shift toward lighter and more seasonal clothing. This is a friendly reminder to please review the district’s dress code when helping your child select their outfit for school each day.

Our goal is to maintain a learning environment that is safe, comfortable, and appropriate for all students. Clothing should allow students to participate fully in classroom activities while meeting school expectations. Items such as overly revealing clothing, inappropriate graphics or language, and attire that may distract from the learning environment are not permitted.

We appreciate your partnership in helping students come to school dressed for success. Taking a quick moment each morning to ensure outfits align with school guidelines helps avoid disruptions to your child’s day and keeps the focus where it belongs—on learning.

DEADLINE - JULY 26, 2026

Important information and reminders for transportation for the 2026-2027 school year:

• Transportation starts from scratch every year.
• If you have special arrangements for your student, you need to fill out a permanent alternate transportation request form before every school year.
• Please go to our website and fill out a form by JULY 26th if your student needs special arrangements. (address must fall within our district boundaries)
• If your child is going to be a parent pick-up or parent transport and will not use the busing that is offered, please fill out the form as well.
• If your child will need to be transported to/from a daycare that we transport to, please fill out the following form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfK-wfU4fpx-PiBOL5nyiRbbDMgQqEI5Jd-AiyS9R_mXImMkA/viewform

NOTE: If you have not submitted your unique transportation needs by July 26th, we cannot guarantee transport that matches your needs in time for the start of the school year.

Sixth Grade Families, we need your help! Mr. Hitz will be working with a group of sixth-grade students to create a slideshow highlighting their elementary careers for the recognition celebration in June. If you have pictures of your child and their classmates at district events, please share them with Mr. Hitz at ahitz@acschools.org. Pictures can be from any year, kindergarten through sixth grade. Thank you in advance for your help!!

AC PTO has items on their wishlist for upcoming events and PBIS student incentives. They appreciate your support!

https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2VY2XUIYTRZBP?ref_=wl_share

Cleona Field Day Volunteer and Supplies Sign-Up:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040D48AEAD2FA6FD0-63432393-cleona

6th Grade Lunch Supplies Sign-Up:

Annville-Cleona PTO: 6th Grade Yearbook Lunch

Date: June 29th- July 2nd

Grade Entering: 1st- 6th Grades
Time: 8:30 a.m.- 12:00 p.m.
Address: Annville-Cleona High School Gym
Cost: $80 per camper
*Early Reg Discount: $75 if registered by May 10, 2026

Check Payable to: AC Girls Basketball Booster Club
Checks mailed to: 551 Nottingham Way, Annville, PA 17003
Contact us **Multi-Camper Discount: $65 per camper
at (717) 813-1107 or colettijas@gmail.com; 717-682-4485 or wee4three@gmail.com

ALL CAMPERS RECEIVE A CAMP T-SHIRT.

AC BBALL CAMP REG CLICK HERE

• 4/28-4/29 - Math PSSA Testing (Grades 3-6)
• 4/30-5/1 - Science PSSA Testing (Grade 5)
• 5/14 - Elementary Art Show - Band and Chorus Concert
• 5/21 - Jazz Band Concert
• 5/27 - End of Year Celebration - Secondary Campus from 5:00-7:30
• 5/28 - Beginner Band Concert

It's been a busy week at AE! See below for some of the events and learning that have taken place!

Directing questions and/or concerns to the appropriate person(s) encourages greater collaboration and streamlines the process of answering questions, alleviating concerns, and ensuring that we are all “on the same page”. Please use the document, linked here, to help identify your first contact (and additional points of contact if necessary).

Don't forget to check out the Community Bulletin Page on the District Website for the many events happening in our A-C Community linked here!

Follow Us on X (formally Twitter): @AnnvilleElem

Annville Elementary Website