Roller Pride

The Steelton-Highspire School District was recently selected by Operation Warm to receive a donation of new winter coats. These coats will be kept on hand at the school to ensure students have access to warm clothing during the upcoming winter season. Many thanks to District Social Worker, Dr. Kinnarney, for her constant efforts to provide much needed resources for our students and families. To learn more about Operation Warm, visit: https://www.operationwarm.org/

Ms. Brobst's 7th-grade history students participated in station rotations to explore the G.R.A.P.E.S. of civilization. Through this activity, they learned about the geography, religion, achievements, politics, economy, and social structure of ancient Egypt.

For the past several years, elementary students have experienced the joy of the holiday season through the 12 Days of Christmas giveaway. Under the leadership of Principal Megan Armstead, every student in the elementary school—more than 800 children—has received or will receive a special toy or gift.

Each day during the 12 days leading up to winter break, students are called to the office to receive their gifts. When they arrive, they enter a room beautifully decorated for the season and filled with a variety of toys, games, and accessories.

This heartwarming initiative is made possible by generous community donations and the support of organizations such as the Salvation Army, Toys for Tots, and the All You Can Leadership Academy, led by Mr. Ralph Rodriguez. Adding to the excitement, last Friday, students were delighted to find Santa himself making a special appearance as they selected their gifts!

Mrs. Hume and Mrs. Albert kicked off the month of December with a trip to HACC’s trade center, accompanied by a group of juniors and seniors. During the visit, students explored the trade programs offered and learned about the advantages of pursuing a career in the trades. They also toured the facilities and observed a live welding class in action.

The elementary student council officers recently visited Ms. Goodburlet’s 1st grade class to hand out ice cream sandwiches as a reward for collecting the most food donations during our Thanksgiving food drive. It was such a fun experience spending time with them. A big thank you to Ms. Goodburlett’s class!

You're invited to join us for the Jr/Sr high school Winter Band Concert on Thursday, December 12th at 6pm in the high school auditorium. The concert will feature band students in grades 4-12. Admission is free and there will be concessions and candy grams available for purchase. We hope to see you there!

SHES families,

Save the date! You're invited to join us for Cookies, Cocoa, Crafts and our Book Fair Family Night! This event will take place on Thursday, December 12th from 5:30-7pm. We also expect a special visit from SANTA! We can't wait to see you there!

Students in grades K-6 will visit the book fair Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday this week to make out a wish list. Then they can return to the Fair either Thursday (12/12) or Friday (12/13) during an allotted time for shopping! Don’t forget you can set up an eWallet via a link of my school webpage. You can create an account, add funds for your student(s) to shop and then once the Fair is over, any unused funds are returned to you.
http://www.scholastic.com/bf/steeltonhighspireelemsch

Our family nights allow for alternative times to join your child/children. We have a raffle where they can win one of the Book Fair posters. You can also purchase a book for a teacher from their classroom wish list or buy a book for the school library. It will be inscribed with your child's name, showing their donation. This is just another way for the kids to understand that this is their library.

Proceeds from the Book Fair help our school buy supplies as well as new, exciting, and informative books for our library collection. Please come out and support us.

On Thursday, December 19th, students in kindergarten, 1st, 2nd and 3rd grades along with the elementary chorus, will perform their annual holiday concert in the high school auditorium. Doors will open at 9:20am (auditorium/gym entrance on side of the building) and the concert will begin promptly at 9:30am. The event will also be available on the district YouTube channel to watch live or later, at your convenience. District YouTube channel: tinyurl.com/SHSDYOUTUBE

In their AP American History class, students engaged in an interactive activity called "Reformer Speed Dating." They assumed the roles of early 18th-century American reformers and participated in a speed-dating simulation, meeting other "reformers" in search of their ideal match.

On Friday, December 6th, Mrs. Davis's husband, a fellow educator, visited her 2nd grade classroom to teach a STEM lesson on Newton's laws of motion using Hot Wheels. The students had a great time working in pairs and testing each of the laws through hands-on experiments.

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be a police officer? The Swatara Township Police Department will be hosting the 12th Annual Citizens Police Academy for residents and non-residents of Swatara Township in February of 2025. The academy will give citizens an inside look at all of the different aspects of policing. Topics of discussion will include Patrol and Traffic Enforcement, Police K-9, Forensics, the PA Court System, Community Services, Criminal Investigations, Drug Investigations, Police Administration, Dauphin County CRT (SWAT Team) and many more.

Academy classes are classroom based and will include presentations from our officers who are considered experts in their specific field. The academy will also incorporate various field trips to criminal justice facilities within the county of Dauphin to include Dauphin County Prison, Dauphin County Judicial Center, Dauphin County Court House, Dauphin County Communications Center and Magisterial District Judge Michael Smith’s Office (tours are subject to change based on scheduling parameters).

This program is perfect for anyone who is interested in pursuing a career in law enforcement OR for those who simply want to learn more about what the police do behind the scenes.

For questions regarding the Citizens Police Academy please contact Cpl. Brandon Pokrop via email at bpokrop@swatarapolice.org

TO APPLY FOR THE 2O25 CITIZENS POLICE ACADEMY PLEASE ACCESS THE APPLICATION BELOW.

The elementary school will once again be celebrating the 12 Days of Christmas with festive and fun theme days. The countdown will begin on Thursday, December 5th and wrap up the final school day before the holiday break.

The themes are as follows:

Thursday, December 5: Merry & Bright (wear red & green)

Friday, December 6: Tinsel Toes (wear holiday socks)

Monday, December 9: Holiday Glow Up (wear something shiny or bright)

Tuesday, December 10: Fa La La Flannel (wear your favorite flannel)

Wednesday, December 11: Winter Wonderland (wear white)

Thursday, December 12: Welcome to Whoville (crazy hair day)

Friday, December 13: Polar Express (wear your coziest pajamas)

Monday, December 16: Holiday Headwear (wear a festive hat or headband)

Tuesday, December 17: Christmas Chaos (wear mismatched clothes)

Wednesday, December 18: Santa's Workshop: Dress like a reindeer, elf, Santa, etc.

Thursday, December 19: Welcome to the North Pole (wear your best attire for the holiday concert)

Friday, December 20: What Not to Wear (wear your ugliest sweater)

Students in the Evolve Youth Trades program are applying the skills they've gained in Carpentry and Electrical classes to frame and wire the new student store. This project marks the beginning of many hands-on opportunities for Steelton Highspire students as they work toward completing the required hours and training to earn their pre-apprentice certification.

The Little Elves Holiday Shoppe will be returning to Steelton-Highspire Elementary again this year. Students will be able to shop during the school day (assigned times per grade level) or after school with a family member (from 3:20-5pm). If you would like your child to shop for gifts for family members, etc. please send an envelope with your child's name, the names of those they should shop for and amount they should spend per gift, and cash to cover the costs. Only students that bring in an envelope will visit the shoppe.

The Jr/Sr high school Student Government Association (SGA) is holding a Food Drive the week of December 9-13. Donations of canned goods and non-perishable food items are appreciated. The grade that collects the most donations will earn a hot cocoa party!

SHES Families,

Yearbooks are available to preorder NOW! Orders can be placed online at: ybpay.com or by completing a paper form (available iin the elementary office or contact your child's teacher).

Our Yearbook ID code is: 15210925

Orders must be placed by April 4, 2025.

Any questions, please direct to Mrs. Detz, JDetz@shsd.k12.pa.us

SHHS Families,

Yearbooks are available to preorder NOW! Orders can be placed online at: Jostens.com/yearbookbuy or by calling 1-877-767-5217. Payment plans are available (see attached flyer).

As a reminder, Seniors DO NOT need to place an order, their yearbook is included in their senior dues.

Any questions, please direct to Ms. Thorne, TThorne@shsd.k12.pa.us

School Counselor for grades K-3: Mrs. Lopez, glopez@shsd.k12.pa.us

School Counselor for grades 4-6: Mrs. Rash, jrash@shsd.k12.pa.us

School Counselor for grades 7-9: Ms. Sunday, BSunday@shsd.k12.pa.us

School Counselor for grades 10-12: Mrs. Albert, AAlbert@shsd.k12.pa.us

College & Career Counselor K-12: Mrs. Hume LHume@shsd.k12.pa.us

Transition and Co-Op Coordinator: Mrs. Warner MWarner@shsd.k12.pa.us

School Counseling Office Administrative Assistant: Ms. Navickas, JNavickas@shsd.k12.pa.us

• 12/12: Elementary Cookies, Cocoa & Crafts Night & Book Fair Family Night, 5:30-7pm
• 12/12: Jr/Sr High School Winter Band Concert, 6pm
• 12/13: Early Dismissal - Staff In-Service
• 12/18: Little Elves Holiday Shoppe at Elementary School, 3:20-5pm
• 12/23-1/3: Holiday Break, Schools & Offices Closed

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