Roller Pride
District Newsletter
September 28, 2025
Elementary Picture Day - October 1
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 have been sent home. If you need an additional physical order form, please pick one up from the elementary school office or request one from your child's teacher.
If you need assistance with ordering, please visit the Lifetouch Help Center and select K–12 School Photography.
For any school-related picture day questions, please contact Mrs. Detz at JDetz@shsd.k12.pa.us.
We look forward to seeing all of our students’ smiles on Picture Day!
Jr/Sr High Picture Day - October 7
We’re excited to share that Picture Day is coming to Steelton-Highspire Jr/Sr High School on Tuesday, October 7, 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: EVTMXNKPJ
- 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.
We look forward to seeing all of our students’ smiles on Picture Day!
🌞Rise & Shine: Senior Sunrise 2025🌞
On Friday, September 12, our seniors gathered for the first-ever Senior Sunrise to kick off the school year. Students enjoyed breakfast and snacks in front of the school as the sun came up, posed for group photos at the Steamroller, and wrapped up the morning with a movie in Ms. Schuyler’s classroom before the rest of the school day began.
🎶 Band is Back — for Grades 4 through 12! 🎶
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.
🌟New Weekly Roller Cyber Academy (RCA) Awards🌟
We’re excited to introduce two new weekly awards to recognize the hard work of our Roller Cyber Academy (RCA) students:
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RCA Rock Star – awarded to the student with the most hours logged in RCA.
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Step Superstar – awarded to the student who completes the most weekly steps across all courses.
Each week, we’ll honor one Elementary and one High School winner in both categories. Winners will receive a certificate mailed to their home, and their first name and last initial will be shared in our weekly RCA student/family update.
At the end of the school year, all weekly winners will be entered into a drawing for a $25 Target gift card—one winner each from Elementary and High School.
Congratulations to this week’s winners (Week of 09/08/25):
Elementary
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RCA Rock Star – Gavin S. (12 hours)
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Step Superstar – Gavin S. (135 steps)
High School
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RCA Rock Star – Breonn M. (22 hours)
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Step Superstar – Jaiel B. (131 steps)
Petals, Photos, and Painted Gourds
On September 22, 2025, Yearbook and Advanced Art students took a trip to Meadowbrooke Gourds in Carlisle, PA. For more than 20 years, Meadowbrooke has grown its craft into an internationally recognized business. A favorite part of the visit was exploring the sunflower fields, where students cut flowers to bring back to school. Some created bouquets, while others used them for a photo session. In the coming weeks, students will design and decorate their own gourds as part of the project.
Salvation Army Christmas Assistance Program
The Salvation Army Harrisburg Christmas Assistance Program is now accepting applications! If your family is in need of food, toys, clothing, or holiday support this season, we’re here to help.
What you should know:
- The program provides holiday toys & clothing for children up to age 18, senior adoptions, and food for eligible households.
- Eligibility is based on income (pre-tax), residency, and meeting the program’s guidelines
- Applications are submitted online but require an in-person documentation review.
How to apply:
- Schedule your in-person appointment for document review.
- You’ll get a one-time use code to access and fill out the online application.
- Bring required ID, proof of income, residency, and details about child clothing & shoe sizes/gift ideas to your appointment.
Where & Contact:
The Salvation Army – Harrisburg Capital City Region
506 S. 29th Street, Harrisburg, PA 17104
Phone: 717-233-6755
Salvation Army Eastern PA & DE
If you or someone you know needs help this holiday season — please apply. And if you want to help others, consider donating or volunteering!
From Cereal to Science: Learning How Cells Get Energy
Mr. McIntosh's seventh grade science students recently explored the fascinating process of cellular respiration—how cells create energy—through a hands-on experiment. To make the concept more concrete, students investigated how yeast reacts when given different food sources. Their task was to measure how much carbon dioxide was produced when yeast “ate” the sugars in three different types of cereal.
As the experiment unfolded, students carefully observed the reaction inside sealed bags. They discovered that the cereal with the highest sugar content produced the greatest amount of carbon dioxide, clearly demonstrating how sugar provides energy for living organisms at the cellular level.
This engaging activity not only helped students connect classroom concepts to real-world examples, but also sparked thoughtful discussions about nutrition, food science, and how our bodies convert the foods we eat into energy. By experimenting, observing, and drawing their own conclusions, students gained a deeper understanding of the invisible processes that power all living things.
Getting Creative with Pipe Cleaner Sculptures
In Mrs. Reigle’s class, students recently tapped into their imaginations with a unique hands-on activity—building sculptures out of colorful pipe cleaners. Using a choice board, students answered fun questions about themselves, and their responses determined the shapes and colors they used in their creations.
The activity gave students a chance to step away from their everyday work, learn more about one another, and showcase their creative side. The classroom was filled with bright designs, laughter, and plenty of opportunities for self-expression.
Jr/Sr High School Homecoming Spirit Week
Students in grades 7-12, get ready to show your Roller Pride! Homecoming Spirit Week will take place from September 29 – October 3, leading up to Homecoming. Each day brings a new theme, giving students and staff a fun way to celebrate together.
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Monday, September 29 – Twin/Duo Day
Grab a friend and dress alike, or pair up as a famous duo to kick off the week. -
Tuesday, September 30 – Tacky Tuesday
The wackier the better! Mix up colors, patterns, and styles for a truly “tacky” look. -
Wednesday, October 1 – Roller Pride Day
Wear your blue and white to show your school spirit. Don’t forget—the pep rally will take place today! -
Thursday, October 2 – Throwback Thursday (90s/2000s)
Rock your favorite retro fashion from the 1990s or 2000s. -
Friday, October 3 – Neon vs. Pastel Colors
End the week with a burst of color! Choose between bright neon or soft pastels and show off your style.
Let’s make Spirit Week a memorable lead-up to Homecoming 2025!
🎲 Homecoming Dance 2025: Game Night Bash
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!
FREE Flu Shot Clinic
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.
Save the Date - FREE Pasta Dinner & Bingo Night
You’re invited to join us for a FREE pasta dinner and Bingo night on Wednesday, October 22nd from 5:30-7pm in the Steelton-Highspire HS cafeteria. It’s sure to be a great evening and we can’t wait to see you there!
Roller Athletics Schedules
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 Connected this School Year
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!
Elementary School Counselor's Corner
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
Jr/Sr High School Counselor's Corner
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
Important October Dates
It’s hard to believe, but the month of October is rapidly approaching. Please review the attached flyer with important dates for the month of October.
Important October Dates:
Friday, October 10 – Early Dismissal / Staff In-Service
Monday, October 13 – Schools & Offices Closed (Columbus Day / Indigenous Peoples Day)
Friday, October 24 – No School for Students (Staff In-Service)
Monday, October 27 – No School for Students (Parent-Teacher Conferences)
Tuesday, October 28 – Student Early Dismissal (Parent-Teacher Conferences)
To review the full school year calendar, please visit: https://www.shsd.k12.pa.us/calendar
Upcoming Events & Important Dates
- 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
Champions Before & After School Program Info
Champions Before & After School Program Enrollment Info
Roller Gear Sold Here
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
