Roller Pride

Senior portraits for the Class of 2026 will be held at Steelton-Highspire Jr./Sr. High School from Tuesday, September 16 through Thursday, September 18 in the Auditorium.

Important Details:

• Portrait sessions will include head & shoulder poses in tux/drape, cap & gown, and one casual outfit of your choice.

• Tuxedos, drapes, caps, and gowns will be provided. Students should bring:

  • A tank top to wear under the drape

  • A dress shirt and tie to wear under the cap & gown

• There is no cost to be photographed or to appear in the yearbook.

• Proofs will be available online 7–10 days after your sitting. You’ll receive an email with instructions to access them.

Scheduling:
Appointments are required, and walk-ins will not be permitted. Please schedule your session as soon as possible to ensure a spot: https://book.usesession.com/s/ahv7bS7Cfy

For questions or support, please email: prestigelwarea@lifetouch.com

​​​​​​​

We look forward to seeing all of our seniors represented in the 2026 yearbook!

Tuesday, September 16th is IT Professionals Day! We are proud to recognize and thank our SHSD Technology Department for their hard work and dedication. From keeping our devices running smoothly to ensuring we stay connected both online and in person, their efforts make a huge difference every day. We appreciate all that they do to support our students, staff, and families!

In Ms. Brobst’s 7th grade history class, students got a hands-on taste of what it’s like to be an archaeologist. Each student received a chocolate chip cookie and was challenged to “excavate” the chocolate chips with careful precision. The best part? Once the dig was complete, they got to eat their project!

Last Tuesday morning, elementary students and families were greeted with high fives, smiles, and lots of Roller spirit during the launch of Roller Future in Motion: Guiding today’s youth, empowering tomorrow’s Rollers, a new initiative led by Coach Erby.

Student-athletes from multiple SHHS teams, along with coaches and cheerleaders, came together to welcome our youngest Rollers at the front entrance of SHES. Football players proudly wore their jerseys, and cheerleaders brought the energy with Roller Pride.

The event set the tone for what this program is all about—building connections between SHHS athletes and SHES students, inspiring mentorship, and fostering community pride. More details about the program and future opportunities for student-athlete involvement will be shared in the coming weeks.

We are thrilled to announce that band is officially back in session for students in grades 4–12! Whether your student is just picking up an instrument for the first time or returning for another exciting year, we're looking forward to a fantastic season full of music, growth, and community.

📅 Band During the School Day — and More to Come!

Band lessons and group rehearsals are held during the school day, making it easy for students to participate without conflicting with after-school commitments. As we get closer to our concert dates, we will schedule after-school rehearsals to help our ensembles shine on stage. These rehearsals will be communicated well in advance via email, Class Dojo, and the Band App—so please make sure your notifications are on!

⚽🏀🎺 Yes, You Can Do Both!

One of the most important messages we want to share with families is this: Students can do both sports and band—and do them well.

Being involved in multiple activities teaches students time management, teamwork, and dedication. Band offers a creative outlet that complements athletic involvement, helping students build confidence, focus, and friendships that span grade levels and interests.

Whether your student is on the soccer field, basketball court, or behind a music stand, we encourage them to explore all of their passions. Being a well-rounded student is not only possible—it’s powerful!

🎷 Why Band?

Band is more than just music—it's a community. Students in band develop lifelong skills including:

• Confidence through performance
• Responsibility and teamwork
• A sense of belonging
• A lifelong love of music

Band is a place where students of all backgrounds come together to create something bigger than themselves. Plus, it’s just fun! From exciting performances to inside jokes and traditions, the band experience is one your child will always remember.

We’re excited to share a wonderful year of music-making with you. Thank you for your support of the band program—we can’t wait to see and hear what our young musicians will accomplish! If you have any questions or would like to have your student join band, please contact Miss Suruskie.

Our 5th grade students have been bringing energy and rhythm to the music room with Boomwhackers! Using these colorful percussion tubes, students followed along with songs and videos to explore beat, melody, and harmony in an interactive way. The activity not only helped them practice musical skills but also encouraged teamwork and creativity. The room was filled with excitement as students played along, making music together.

The Steelton-Highspire Neighboring Academy has started the 2025–2026 school year with a wide range of activities and learning opportunities for students. This year is especially exciting, as it marks the first time the Academy has a full set of cohorts, one for each grade level, 9 through 12.

The 9th and 10th grade cohorts meet separately every day for two class periods. Currently, six students are enrolled in the 9th grade cohort, and nine students are part of the 10th grade cohort. Together, the 11th and 12th grade cohorts include 21 students actively participating in the Academy.

Both the 9th and 10th grade cohorts have already met with several of our community partners, including NAMI, the Penn State Extension Service (4-H), and the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission. These sessions have focused on topics such as “Life in the Real World,” civic education, and mental health.

Across all grade levels, Academy students are engaging in activities designed to build essential life and career skills, including preparation for future roles as community members and homeowners. Coursework covers financial literacy, design thinking, and 21st-century learning skills. A special emphasis is placed on the “4 Cs”: critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and communication.

Students have also been active in the high school garden alongside Mr. Rick Sayles. Their work has included harvesting summer crops, weeding, building a sensory garden, and planting new fall crops. More updates about future plans for the garden will be shared in an upcoming article.

Students in Mrs. Cassivi's 3rd grade class recently took part in a fun Team Building/STEAM challenge called “Helping Harry.” In this hands-on activity, groups were tasked with designing and building a stable perch for a character named Harry using only the materials provided.

The project gave students the chance to practice teamwork, time management, and problem-solving, while also sharpening their engineering and design skills. After testing and refining their creations, students were excited to see their perches come to life. The best part? They had an absolute blast working together!

Advanced Art students started the semester by painting acrylics on canvas, showcasing their creativity and individual style. Each student selected their own subject—whether a person, a place, or an abstract design—resulting in a wide variety of unique and expressive works.

Featured artists from this project include seniors Sammy B., Jenny M., Ja’Ohanna J., and Colin T., whose pieces highlight the talent and imagination within our art program

Thanks to a recent DonorsChoose project, Ms. Steckbeck's 1st grade classroom is now equipped with beautiful crystal sound bowls. Each student had the chance to use a mallet to play a bowl of their choice, listening closely to the different pitches and learning how sound vibrations work. We discovered how our eardrums vibrate to help us hear and even felt the vibrations in our throats while speaking to better understand how sound is created.

Beyond science, these bowls also support our mindfulness and meditation breaks. Students use them during breathing exercises to calm their bodies, focus their minds, and feel the gentle vibrations in different areas as they practice relaxation. The bowls have quickly become a favorite tool for both learning and well-being in our classroom.

We are pleased to share an upcoming opportunity for grandparents and caregivers in our school community. GIFTS, Inc. will be hosting a Grandparent Support Group right here in the Steelton-Highspire School District.

Date: Tuesday, September 16, 2025

Time: 10:00 AM

Location: District Board Room (Administration Building)

This free session provides a space for sharing, connection, and support among grandparents and caregivers who play an important role in our students’ lives.

If you would like to register or have any questions, please contact Dr. Kinnarney at SKinnarney@shsd.k12.pa.us or call 717-704-3800 ext. 4204

Join us on Saturday, September 20, 2025 in the Steelton-Highspire High School Auditorium for a special showing of In The Heights!

Starting at 6:00 PM

Concessions will be served

Donations accepted (proceeds support the theater program)

Reminder: Students under 15 must have adult supervision.

Bring your family, grab some snacks, and enjoy a great night at the movies with our community!

You are invited to join our upcoming FACE (Family & Community Engagement) Committee Meeting on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at 5:30 PM.

The FACE Committee plays an important role in planning fun and engaging events for our students and families throughout the year. This is a great opportunity to get involved, share ideas, and help us strengthen connections between school and community.

This meeting will be held virtually, and the online link will be shared closer to the date.

If you have any questions, please reach out to:

Mrs. Thomas at EThomas@shsd.k12.pa.us

Mr. Shuleski at SShuleski@shsd.k12.pa.us

We hope to see you there!

Explore your future at the Central Dauphin School District College & Career Fair!

Wednesday, September 25

6:00–8:00 PM

CD East High School – Enter through the gym doors (626 Rutherford Rd, Harrisburg)

Open to all high school students & their families! Meet colleges, trade schools, military reps, and employers—all in one place.

We’re excited to share that Picture Day is coming to Steelton-Highspire Elementary School on Wednesday, October 1, 2025.

How it works:

Students will be photographed during the school day.

Orders can be placed in advance at mylifetouch.com using the Picture Day ID: EVTXHVVFV.

After Picture Day, photo packages will be sent home with your child.

Order forms:

Physical order forms will be sent home with students as we get closer to Picture Day.

In the meantime, you can review the attached form for details.

If you need assistance with ordering, please visit the Lifetouch Help Center and select K–12 School Photography.

For any school-related questions, please contact Mrs. Detz at JDetz@shsd.k12.pa.us.

We look forward to seeing all of our students’ smiles on Picture Day!

Get ready, Rollers—the Homecoming Dance is almost here! This year’s theme is Game Night Bash, and it promises to be a fun-filled evening of music, dancing, and school spirit.

📅 Date: Friday, October 3, 2025
🕖 Time: 7:00–9:00 PM
📍 Location: Steelton-Highspire Jr./Sr. High School Gym

Tickets will be on sale during lunches from September 22–26. You can also purchase directly from Mrs. Hume or Ms. Schuyler. Prices are $10 for a single ticket or $15 per couple.

This event is open to grades 9–12 only. Don’t miss your chance to celebrate Homecoming with friends, music, and plenty of Roller Pride. Mark your calendars and grab your tickets early—this is one night you won’t want to miss!

From the Steelton Borough Police Department:

The Steelton Borough Police Department is partnering with Penn State Health for our annual Free Flu Shot Clinic on Saturday, October 4 from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the Steelton Borough Municipal Building, located 123 N Front St, Steelton, PA 17113.

For ages 3 years and older. No ID is required.

While not required, reservations are free and reduce wait times

Register each person getting a shot at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/steelton-free-flu-shot-clinic-october-4-tic...

Wear loose-fitting clothing. We must be able to access your arm.

Penn State Health researchers are inviting Hispanic and Latino adults in Central PA to take part in a one-hour virtual Zoom interview about their experiences finding culturally preferred foods and spices at local food pantries. Eligible participants must be 18 or older, have used food pantry services in Berks, Lebanon, Dauphin, or York counties within the last year, and speak English or Spanish.

Those who take part will receive a $25 Amazon gift card for their time. To learn more or sign up, visit redcap.link/REACHFoodInterviews or email reach@pennstatehealth.psu.edu

All team schedules are posted through the Arbiter Sports website. This is the most accurate schedule as changes made to any games, matches, or meets are updated automatically.

Schedules can be viewed by visiting this link: Steelton-Highspire School District Athletics Schedules

Stay informed all year long by visiting our district website and following us on social media!
Our website is your go-to source for the latest updates for families—you’ll find the school calendar, lunch menus, athletic schedules, and so much more.

Visit the links below to explore and stay connected!

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: Mrs. 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: Mrs. Navickas, JNavickas@shsd.k12.pa.us

• 10/10: Early Dismissal for Students - Staff In-Service
• 10/13: Schools and Office Closed - Indigenous Peoples/Columbus Day
• 10/24: No School for Students - Staff In-Service
• 10/27: No School for Students - Fall Parent/Teacher Conferences
• 10/28: Early Dismissal - Fall Parent/Teacher Conferences

Our Steelton-Highspire Spiritwear Shop is open! Thanks to our partnership with Hummelstown Print House, families, students, and community members can order official Roller spiritwear online.

Show your Roller Pride by supporting athletics teams or picking up general Roller gear for yourself and your family.

Order today by scanning the QR code on the flyer or visiting: tinyurl.com/SHSDSpiritWear