East Pennsboro Area High School

Greetings,

This month’s newsletter provides examples of what we have to be grateful for at EPAHS. The month began with a meaningful tribute to veterans, led by our NJROTC Cadets. Their readings, along with Colonel Terry D. Hashey’s keynote message, helped us pause and honor the men and women who have served our country—including two of our own staff members, Mr. Durika and Mrs. Snedden.

November brought many reasons to celebrate our students’ hard work and achievements, from the fall play Alice @ Wonderland to five Panther varsity athletes participating in National Signing Day, along with community-building moments like Coffee Friday and YBEC field trips. You’ll also read below about the meaningful learning experiences happening in our classrooms. Thanks to our teachers’ and students’ efforts, our high school’s state “building score” rose for the fourth consecutive year, placing us by that metric among the top schools in the capital area and reflecting the strength of our entire community. Thank you for supporting your son/daughter’s education. It was great to see many people at Parent-Teacher Conferences.

Each story in this newsletter is conveyed with the pride that makes East Pennsboro a great place to be. Have a happy Thanksgiving and a restful break.

Sincerely,

Dr. Bianchi

• December 1 – CTC Closed
• December 1 – FAFSA Submission Window Opens
• December 10 – High School Winter Band & Chorus Concert
• December 12 – High School Interims Grades Posted
• December 13 - Mini Thon Santa Breakfast
• December 18 – Poetry Out Loud Event
• December 23 – Student Early Dismissal - HS @11:00am
• December 23 – CTC Closed
• December 24 to 31 – Winter Break – All Schools & Offices Closed

• January 1 & 2 – Winter Break – All Schools & Offices Closed
• January 5 – 1st Day Back in School from Winter Break
• January 12 to15 – Semester Exams (Finals/Mid-Terms)
• January 13 – CTC End of 2nd Marking Period
• January 15 – EPAHS End of 2nd Marking Period
• January 16 – Student Early Dismissal (12:20pm dismissal)
• January 19 – Martin Luther King Jr Day – All Schools & Offices Closed
• January 23 – Marking Period 2 Grades Posted to Sapphire
• January 29 – 8th Grade through 11th Grade Course Selection Night

On Monday, November 10, East Pennsboro High School held its annual Veterans Day Program, bringing students, staff, and community members together to honor the men and women who have served our country.

Our NJROTC Cadets led the ceremony with readings highlighting the history and significance of Veterans Day, including letters written by soldiers throughout different eras of American history. The high school music ensemble performed a moving rendition of the National Anthem, and local veterans in attendance were formally recognized for their service.

This year’s Keynote Speaker, Colonel Terry D. Hashey of the United States Army War College, shared personal experiences from his military career and spoke about the enduring importance of service to others and to the nation.

In preparation for the event, the Character Education Student Committee played a major role in creating a welcoming and respectful environment for our honored guests. Committee members placed flags outside the school, crafted banners displayed in the auditorium, and helped set up a special Veterans luncheon in the main gym lobby. They also invited students and staff to submit the names of service members they wished to honor; these names were displayed on the school’s TV screens throughout the day.

The high school was also proud to recognize two of our own employees, Mr. Joseph Durika and Ms. Echo Snedden, who have served our country, as part of this meaningful program.

Thank you to all students, staff, and volunteers who contributed to this meaningful program, and to all veterans for their service and sacrifice.

The East Pennsboro High School Drama Club brought Alice @ Wonderland to life on November 13 and 15, entertaining over 360 audience members across three performances.

Audience members praised the production as “one of the best plays” they’ve seen on the high school stage and loved the high-energy cast, especially during the lively “Wonderland Dance” numbers.

Congratulations to the entire cast and crew for a fantastic show!

In recognition of Children’s Grief Awareness Day on November 20, the High School Counseling Office hosted a meaningful Tree of Hope activity during both lunches. Students and faculty were invited to write the names of loved ones on paper leaves and place them on our Tree of Hope, creating a visible tribute and a space for reflection and remembrance.

This activity provided students with an opportunity to honor and remember those they have lost, while fostering a sense of community and support among peers and staff. The Counseling Office encourages families to continue these conversations at home and to support children in expressing their feelings during times of grief.

East Pennsboro students are sharpening their problem-solving skills through participation in the Math League, a program that hosts contests for Grades 4 through 8, Algebra 1, and high school students. Each year, over one million students across the United States and Canada take part in Math League contests.

Every contest features questions from different areas of mathematics, encouraging students to explore new concepts, build confidence, and develop a genuine interest in math through engaging problem-solving activities. Schools compete in statewide and multistate league competitions, making it an exciting opportunity for students to test their skills.

At East Pennsboro, students take one Math League test each month for six months, with each test including six thoughtfully designed questions. These contests offer a fun and challenging way for students to grow their mathematical abilities while fostering teamwork, curiosity, and a love for learning.

A special thank you goes to Mrs. Renu Chandra, who has directed the Math League Competition at East Pennsboro for the last 25 years, providing guidance and support to generations of student mathematicians.

“We’re off to see the Wizard!”—and East Pennsboro Area High School is well on its way as preparations begin for this year’s spring musical, The Wizard of Oz. Auditions are currently underway, and excitement is building as students showcase their talents for a chance to step into the beloved roles of Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, the Cowardly Lion, and many more. The official cast list will be announced in December.

Director Mr. Mansilla shared his enthusiasm for the production, hinting at something truly special in store. “We have a unique vision for this production and have been quietly preparing behind the scenes. I don't want to give anything away, but I have never seen a production of The Wizard of Oz quite like the one we are planning!”

With creativity, energy, and a fresh artistic approach, the musical team is gearing up to bring this classic story to life in a way that will captivate audiences of all ages.

The Wizard of Oz will be performed by special arrangement with Concord Theatricals and will take the stage on March 6, 7, and 8 at East Pennsboro Area High School.

Mark your calendars now—there’s no place like EP!

On November 20, East Pennsboro High School had the privilege of welcoming the Concert Wind Ensemble from Commonwealth University–Mansfield for a special collaborative music experience.

The visiting ensemble joined our High School Concert Band for a combined rehearsal, giving EP students the unique opportunity to rehearse and perform alongside collegiate-level musicians. Students also had the chance to work closely with several Commonwealth University–Mansfield professors, gaining insight into advanced musicianship, technique, and ensemble performance.

Following the rehearsal, Dr. McLerran’s ensemble presented a wonderful concert performance for students, staff, families, and community members. The event was especially meaningful as numerous Mansfield alumni were in attendance to enjoy the performance and reconnect with the university’s music community.

We were delighted to host such a memorable day of music-making and collaboration, and we thank Commonwealth University–Mansfield for sharing their time and talent with our students.

East Pennsboro High School was proudly represented in the Harrisburg Holiday Parade on Saturday, November 22, 2025!

Alex Renteria, our EP Panther from the Living Skills classroom, rode on the PennLive float as part of this festive community celebration. Alex was accompanied by Leadership student Calyan Murillo, who supported him throughout the event.

We are thrilled to see our students shining in the community and sharing Panther pride during such a cherished local tradition!

East Pennsboro Area School District is proud to support Panther Pack, a volunteer-driven program led by Leanne Kalb that provides weekly food assistance to district families in need. With the help of dedicated volunteers, Panther Pack sorts donated items and packs food boxes each week for distribution on Thursday evenings.

Ahead of the holiday season, the team successfully completed its Thanksgiving distribution on November 20, 2025, ensuring local families had the support they needed.

Donations—both food and monetary—play a crucial role in keeping this program running. Community members can drop off nonperishable food items such as rice, pasta, cereal, canned soups, tuna, jelly, and breakfast bars at the Panther Pack dock behind East Pennsboro Elementary School, where a secure storage container is located.

In November, the district held a Dress Down Day in support of Panther Pack, raising over $1,500 to directly assist families in our community. Monetary donations are always welcome; checks may be made payable to Panther Pack.

As we approach the December holiday season, Panther Pack continues to prepare for increased need. If you would like to support the program or learn more, please reach out to Leanne Kalb at PantherPack@epasd.org.

Together, we can make a meaningful difference for East Pennsboro families.

Students in Ms. Roeder’s AP Environmental Science class recently got their hands dirty—literally—as they conducted a series of chemical and physical tests on soil samples they brought in from their homes or surrounding areas. Each student collected a unique sample, allowing for a wide variety of comparisons and discoveries.

Through this hands-on investigation, students analyzed key soil properties such as texture, pH, and nutrient content to determine the type and quality of their soil. By interpreting their data, they drew real-world conclusions about soil fertility and its ability to support crop growth, connecting classroom learning to environmental applications and sustainable agriculture.

This engaging lab experience encouraged scientific thinking, collaboration, and curiosity about the natural world.

On Friday, November 21, East Pennsboro Area High School celebrated its second Coffee Friday of the 2025–2026 school year—another morning filled with energy, connection, and the delicious aroma of fresh coffee drifting through the halls.

Led by students in the Life Skills classroom and supported by members of the Leadership Club, Coffee Friday has become one of the most popular student-run events in the building. Its popularity was clear once again, as lines formed early and stayed steady throughout the morning. To help keep the Coffee Friday room from becoming too crowded or overwhelming, two dedicated student volunteers—Alex Borrero and Talan Raker—stepped in to serve as “security,” ensuring a comfortable, safe, and smoothly running experience for everyone.

Students and staff stopped by to enjoy coffee, lemonade, soft pretzels, churros, muffins, and other treats. But beyond the tasty menu, Coffee Friday continues to shine as a meaningful learning opportunity. Life Skills students run every aspect of the event—managing the cash register, preparing food and drinks, providing customer service, and keeping stations stocked. These hands-on tasks strengthen real-world skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and money management.

Leadership Club members play a key role as well, partnering with Life Skills students to support the workflow and help keep the event running efficiently from start to finish.

With another successful Coffee Friday complete, students and staff are already looking forward to the next one!

Students in East Pennsboro Area High School’s Forensics classes recently rolled up their sleeves for one of the most hands-on activities of the semester: a full fingerprinting lab. This interactive lesson gave students the opportunity to step into the role of crime scene investigators and apply real forensic techniques.

During the lab, students learned how to properly take clear, readable fingerprint impressions using professional-style materials. They practiced identifying fingerprint patterns—such as loops, whorls, and arches—and examined the unique characteristics that make every print one of a kind. Once their own prints were collected, students compared them and analyzed the ridge details to understand how forensic specialists match prints in real investigations.

Beyond the scientific skills, this lab also encouraged problem-solving, attention to detail, and critical thinking—core skills essential to the world of forensic science.

The fingerprinting activity is a highlight of the course each year, giving students an engaging, memorable experience that connects classroom learning to real-world investigative work.

Students participating in the Yellow Breeches Education Center (YBEC) program had an unforgettable experience on Tuesday, November 4, as they took learning beyond the classroom walls. The group embarked on a challenging one-mile hike up White Rock Trail, carrying their own gear and navigating rocky terrain to reach the summit.

Once at the top, students received instruction on climbing safety and harness techniques before taking on the exciting challenge of rock climbing a 40-foot section of the mountain. Every student successfully made the climb, showing determination, teamwork, and courage.

After completing the climb, the group hiked back down the mountain and returned to EPAHS—tired but proud of their accomplishment. To make the day even better, lunch was generously donated by Philadelphia Steaks & Hoagies on the Carlisle Pike.

On Wednesday, November 7th, students from our high school had the opportunity to participate in a Hospitality Career Exploration Workshop hosted by the Pennsylvania Restaurant & Lodging Association Educational Foundation at the Lancaster Marriott Penn Square.

This one-day event introduced students to the wide range of career paths within the hospitality industry through engaging, hands-on experiences. Participants rotated through a variety of interactive sessions, including:

· Culinary Arts

· Baking & Pastry

· Lunch and Etiquette Class

· Breakout Groups featuring Event Planning, a Hotel Tour, and an Industry Networking Session

The workshop offered students a fun and informative glimpse into the “World of Career Possibilities” in hospitality—helping them discover how their interests and talents could translate into rewarding careers in this dynamic field.

On November 20, members of the East Pennsboro High School Drama Club enjoyed an exciting trip to Messiah University to see a production of the play Clue.

Fresh off their own successful fall production of Alice@Wonderland, our student performers were especially eager to experience another theatrical interpretation and gather fresh inspiration.

Following the performance, students took part in a talkback session with the show’s director, cast, and crew, gaining valuable insight into the creative process behind the production. The group also had the opportunity to experience campus life with lunch in the university’s dining hall.

It was a day filled with learning, inspiration, and theatrical fun for our Drama Club students!

The Mechanicsburg North Rotary Club continues its tradition of celebrating East Pennsboro High School seniors who exemplify strong academic performance and meaningful service to both school and community. Faculty members nominate students who consistently demonstrate leadership, character, and a commitment to excellence.

Each month, the Rotary Club recognizes outstanding seniors from three area high schools, making this acknowledgment a notable achievement for those selected.

We are proud to congratulate Ella Miller and Natalie Pinti, who have been chosen as East Pennsboro’s Rotary Student honorees. Their hard work and dedication reflect the high standards of our school community.

Congratulations to East Pennsboro Area High School students who were recognized as Students of the Quarter at the Cumberland Perry Area Career and Technical Center for the first marking period of the 2025–2026 school year.

Honorees include:

· Mina Berry – Horticulture and Landscaping

· Gabriana Jimenez – Cosmetology

· Abigail Orris – Cosmetology

· Elliot Wilkinson – Electrical Construction and Maintenance

These students were selected for their outstanding performance, dedication, and positive contributions within their respective programs. East Pennsboro High School is proud to celebrate their hard work and success!

East Pennsboro High School is proud to recognize five students who achieved a perfect score on the recently administered Civic Knowledge Assessment. This assessment measures students’ understanding of U.S. government, civics, and the rights and responsibilities of citizens—key skills for becoming informed and engaged members of our community.

Congratulations to:

· Keidy Gutierrez Veintemilla

· Geraldine Olivera Vilca

· Prestyn Mentzer

· Ronan Kuhns-Fry

· Ng (Eunice) Yan

We are proud of these students for their outstanding achievement and for demonstrating excellence in civic knowledge. Their dedication and hard work reflect the high standards of learning at East Pennsboro High School.

East Pennsboro High School proudly celebrated its first athletic signing of the 2025–2026 school year on Thursday, November 13. Five seniors were honored for their outstanding contributions to Panther athletics and for committing to continue their athletic and academic careers at the collegiate level.

Congratulations to:

· Jovi Dejesus – Mount St. Mary’s University, Baseball

· Lilyan Derr – Shippensburg University, Track & Field

· Rian Hammaker – West Chester University, Soccer

· Mason Poventud – West Chester University, Track & Field

· Hannah Turner – Lock Haven University, Swimming

We are incredibly proud of these students for their achievements both on the field and in the classroom, and we celebrate their next chapter as college student-athletes. Go Panthers!

As we move into the heart of the school year, we want to take this opportunity to reaffirm our district’s expectations regarding cell phones, earbuds, headphones, and other personal electronic devices during the school day. After many years of widespread smart-device use, one reality has become increasingly evident: although these tools have positive uses, their misuse continues to pose challenges for teaching, learning, and student well-being.

Electronic devices can easily divert students’ attention, interrupt instruction, and create unnecessary management issues for staff. More seriously, they can be used to share or record harmful content, leading to disruptions that affect our entire school community. Over time, these risks have outweighed the benefits of having such devices accessible during instructional hours.

As you may have noticed, schools across the nation are adopting stricter guidelines to reduce these distractions. At EPAHS, we are continuing our multi-year initiative designed to support a more focused learning environment. This includes keeping cell phones out of use during class, discontinuing the use of earbuds and headphones, and upholding clear expectations regarding the prohibition of recording images or videos without permission.

We value our partnership with students and families and will continue to collaborate as we move forward. Safety and communication remain essential, and we remain committed to ensuring that students have access to support in any emergency situation—without relying on personal devices.

Thank you for your ongoing support as we work together to maintain a focused, respectful, and safe school environment for all Panthers.

The East Pennsboro Area High School PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) team continues to build on the success of last year’s program, promoting a positive and supportive school environment where students are recognized for demonstrating respectful, responsible, and safe behaviors.

Now in its second year, the PBIS program remains focused on helping students embody our core Panther POWER values—Preparedness, Ownership, Welcoming, Excellence, and Reliability. Staff members award Panther POWER tickets to students who model these behaviors throughout the school day. Tickets can be redeemed for individual prizes or contribute toward school-wide incentives.

Throughout November, the PBIS committee has been looking forward to identifying and providing a new school-wide reward based on all the Panther POWER tickets earned by students and staff this month. We are excited to celebrate the continued positive choices and leadership shown across the building.

Additionally, the PBIS committee continues to utilize Friday morning Advisory Periods to discuss ways we, as a school community, can embrace and implement POWER in our daily routines, interactions, and activities. These weekly conversations give students and staff the opportunity to reflect on what POWER looks like in action and how we can strengthen our school culture together.

The PBIS team is proud of the ongoing efforts of our students and staff to make East Pennsboro Area High School a respectful, welcoming, and connected community—and looks forward to recognizing Panther POWER in action each month.

Are you looking for adventure? Are you ready for the trip of a lifetime?

The Spanish & Environment Clubs invite you to join them exploring the breathtaking Galápagos Islands from June 10-20, 2026! This incredible opportunity is open to all EPHS students and staff.

The journey begins in Quito (June 10th & 11th), where you'll explore the city before heading to Tijeretas Bay (June 12th) to observe coastal wildlife. Enjoy snorkeling at La Loberia Beach (June 13th), followed by a guided hike on the Sierra Negra Volcano and a visit to a local ranch (June 14th & 15th). You'll also explore wetlands, the Giant Tortoise Breeding Center, and the Darwin Research Station (June 16th & 17th). The adventure continues at Baltra Island via the Itabaca Canal, where you’ll witness the stunning Twin Craters (June 18th), before wrapping up the trip at La Mariscal artisan markets in Quito (June 19th and 20th).

This is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in another culture, practice Spanish, and learn about conservation efforts for some of the world’s most unique wildlife.

For more details and pricing, contact Señor Rice at mrice@epasd.org today!

Throughout the school week—and the year—our high school follows a variety of bell schedules to accommodate different events and needs. These include our Regular Bell Schedule, Friday Bell Schedule, Early Dismissal days, and, on occasion, 2-Hour Delay schedules (typically due to inclement weather).

Being familiar with each schedule helps students stay organized, on time, and ready for the day ahead. It’s also helpful for parents and guardians to keep these variations in mind when planning appointments, early dismissals, or other commitments.

Check out the graphic below to stay informed and plan ahead with confidence!

To help keep our morning drop-off process smooth and efficient, we kindly ask drivers to pull forward to the furthest point in the "drop off" lane when driving your students to school. This small step helps prevent traffic from backing up and keeps everyone moving safely and swiftly.

As a reminder, traffic tends to be lighter between 7:00 and 7:20 a.m. If you're able to arrive during that window, you may experience a quicker drop-off. Between 7:20 and 7:30 a.m., traffic increases significantly.

Please refer to the map below for the current drop-off route. We appreciate your cooperation and continued support in making mornings run safely and smoothly for all!

Beginning Monday, September 15, 2025, all student drivers must display a valid 2025–2026 EPAHS Parking Permit to park or drive on campus. Permits must be purchased before bringing a vehicle to school. Driving without a valid permit may result in your vehicle being ticketed.

Permit applications are available in the Athletic Office and can be picked up between classes or after school.

If you have any questions, please see Ms. Davis in the Main Office. Thank you for helping us keep our campus safe and organized!

At East Pennsboro Area School District, we believe strong communication between school and home is key to student success. That’s why we encourage all parents and guardians to create a Sapphire Parent Portal account.

Sapphire is the district’s online platform for keeping families informed about important aspects of their student’s school experience. With a Parent Portal account, you’ll have access to:

• Your child’s report cards when they are published

• Up-to-date attendance records

• Important notifications specific to your student

Creating an account is quick and easy—and it’s one of the best ways to stay engaged in your child’s academic progress and school life.

To create a parent portal account:

• Go to our website www.epasd.org
• Hover over the "Students" tab
• Click "Sapphire Community Web Portal"
• Click "Create a Web Portal Account"
• Follow the remaining on-screen instructions to enter your information.

If you have any questions or need assistance setting up your Parent Portal account, please contact Ms. Suzette Davis at sdavis@epasd.org She’ll be happy to help you get started.

As we settle into the school year, we want to thank the many Panther families who have already completed their yearly required forms in the Sapphire Parent Portal. These forms are essential for keeping student records up-to-date and ensuring a smooth, safe, and successful school year.

If you haven’t had a chance to complete them yet—it’s not too late!

The following forms must be submitted for each student:

• Code of Conduct & Handbook Sign-Off

• Required Information Update

• Annual Health Update

• Device Policies Acknowledgment

In addition, if your child’s transportation needs change throughout the school year, please be sure to submit the Transportation Change Request form in Sapphire as soon as possible to avoid delays in processing.

If you have any questions or need help accessing Sapphire, please reach out to Ms. Suzette Davis at sdavis@epasd.org

Thank you for partnering with us as we continue a great start to the 2025–2026 school year!

Student last names A-F (and CTC) -Mrs. Hillary Miller hmiller@epasd.org

Student last names G-O -Mrs. Christina Zeller czeller@epasd.org

Student last names P-Z (and Foreign Exchange Students) - Mr. Mark Bohlen mbohlen@epasd.org"

We’re excited to share that applications for the Cumberland Perry Area Career & Technical Center (CPACTC) are now open for the 2026–27 school year. Students interested in exploring hands-on, career-focused programs—such as health sciences, trades, engineering, technology, and more—are encouraged to begin the application process early.

Our counselors are available to answer questions, discuss program options, and support students in determining whether CPACTC is the right fit for their goals. Families can find application details and deadlines on the CPACTC website (cpatech.org) or by contacting the School Counseling Office.

If your student is considering a career pathway program, now is the perfect time to learn more and apply!

The Emerging Health Professionals (EHP) Program at CPACTC is now accepting applications for the 2026–2027 school year! This highly regarded, half-day dual enrollment program gives seniors the chance to take college-level Anatomy, Physiology, and Medical Terminology while gaining real-world experience in hospital and healthcare settings.

Students can earn up to 11 college credits, shadow healthcare professionals, and explore careers such as nursing, medicine, physical therapy, radiology, veterinary care, and more.

Eligibility highlights:
• Minimum 3.0 GPA
• Strong attendance
• Completion of Biology & Chemistry
• Ability to provide transportation

If your student is passionate about healthcare, this is an incredible opportunity to jump-start their future. More details and application information are available on the flyer included below.

December 5th: First-round application deadline for CTC programs.

April 24th: Performance NOCTI Exams

• Mandatory testing date for students scheduled to take the exam.

• No make-up exam date available—attendance at CTC on this date is required.

The CPACTC 2025-2026 School Calendar is pictured below. Please utilize the link for more information concerning CPACTC scheduling and events.

https://www.cpatech.org/

We are pleased to share that our first-semester college and university visit series has officially concluded. Throughout the fall, EPAHS welcomed representatives from 31 different colleges and universities to meet with interested students. These sessions offered valuable opportunities for students to explore potential schools, ask specific questions, and gather helpful information as they consider their post-secondary plans.

We encourage parents and guardians to talk with their students about the institutions they met with and any new insights gained through these visits. These conversations can be an important part of planning for life after high school.

If you have any questions about college exploration, applications, or Naviance, please reach out to the Counseling Office.

We want to remind families that the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the 2026-2027 academic year opened on October 1. Completing the FAFSA is a critical step for any senior planning to attend a college, university, or technical/trade program after graduation. The application determines eligibility for federal grants, loans, work-study opportunities, and many state and institutional aid programs.

Colleges encourage students to complete the FAFSA around the time they submit their college applications, as submitting early increases the likelihood of receiving financial aid and ensures access to priority deadlines for federal, state, and institutional programs.

If you have questions or need assistance with the FAFSA process, please contact the Counseling Office. We are here to help support your student’s post-secondary planning.

Seniors, a scholarship information sheet has been shared with you in Google Classroom, providing links to important scholarship opportunities and resources. Be sure to check it out and take advantage of these valuable opportunities to help fund your post-secondary education.

Links to the websites discussed in the document are listed below this article.

Families of students in 8th through 11th grade—mark your calendars! Our annual Course Selection Night will be held on Thursday, January 29, 2026 at 6:00PM in the High School Auditorium. This important event will introduce the Program of Studies for the 2026–2027 school year and provide a grade-by-grade overview of required courses, electives, and pathways available to students.

During the evening, counselors will share essential information to help students make informed decisions about their course requests for next year. This is a valuable opportunity for families to learn about academic expectations, graduation requirements, and the wide range of options students can explore.

We encourage all students and their families to attend so they feel confident and prepared when course selection opens.

More details will be shared as the date approaches—we look forward to seeing you there!

High school students, please be sure to join your grade-level Google Classroom for more detailed announcements and opportunities shared by the Counseling Office:

• Class of 2026 (Seniors) – School Counseling Announcements
  Class code: ckcks7o

• Class of 2027 (Juniors) – School Counseling Announcements
  Class code: m6h62mn

• Class of 2028 (Sophomores) – School Counseling Announcements
  Class code: 7jk33oi

• Class of 2029 (Freshmen) – School Counseling Announcements
  Class code: jb6xq2oj

Parents, please ensure your student has joined the appropriate counseling Google Classroom to stay informed about important updates and opportunities.

Attention 11th Graders: Just a reminder that you are required to return Physical Exams for 11th grade to the Nurse when they are completed. A Meningitis vaccine is required for entry into 12th grade and this is usually given at your 11th grade physical. If you have questions, please contact the nurse at 717-287-8764 or bhawk@epasd.org.

Illnesses: If you are sick, stay home. You may be sent home if you show signs of a sore throat, headache, stomachache, or cough.

Medication Policy: If you need medications during the day, you will need to provide a doctor’s note stating that you need the medication during school hours. The medications should be brought In by an adult/guardian in the pharmacy-labeled container. Empty containers may be sent home with the students, but the refills will need to be brought in by the parent/guardian.

Respiratory Illness Reporting: The Department of Health is asking schools to begin tracking student absences related to respiratory illness. As much as you feel comfortable, please notify the Attendance Office if your child is absent due to a respiratory-related illness. Your cooperation helps us monitor trends and keep our school community healthy.

Parents/Guardians - Please remember you have the option to submit absence notes, doctor, tardy, early dismissal, and educational trip forms to our high school attendance mailbox at ephsattendance@epasd.org

EPAHS accepts attendance notifications (excuse cards, absence notes, etc.) via email. Parents can email ephsattendance@epasd.org as a means of reporting your child’s absence. Paper notes will still be accepted as well. A reminder that all excuse notifications are required to be submitted within three school days of your child’s absences.

Excused Absences:

When a child is enrolled in the district’s educational program, the student is subject to the

Pennsylvania State Attendance Laws. The Board considers the following conditions to constitute an excused absence from school:

1. Illness

2. Quarantine

3. Student required court attendance

4. Prearranged doctor and dentist appointment for the time of appointment and appropriate travel time only

5. Authorized school activities

6. Pre-approved educational tours and trips, not school-sponsored

7. Other urgent reasons, including funerals, that apply to the child and approved by the building administrator

Parents/guardians are expected to telephone the school when students are absent for any reason. In addition, a written excuse from a parent/guardian is required for each absence.

Unexcused Absences:

An unexcused absence shall be defined as:

• Absence from school with parent/guardian consent for reasons other than those considered

excusable.

• Leaving school during school hours without permission from the administrator.

• Absence from school without knowledge/permission of parent/guardian (truancy).

• Absence from school without knowledge/permission of school authorities.

• Absences from school without written parental excuse submitted within 3 school days of the absence.

Please refer to the Student Handbook to review more specific information about our attendance policies. Contact our school office if you have any questions about our attendance policies or procedures.

Automated Absence Alert:

The Automated Absence Alert system was implemented to inform parents when their students are absent from school. If/when your student is absent or does not report to their classroom they are recorded as absent. When the daily attendance is submitted electronically, an automated message will be sent to a phone identified by the parent/guardian. This call will normally occur by approximately 10:00 am. Should you have questions or concerns you may contact the attendance secretary by calling: East Pennsboro Area High School (EPAHS), at (717) 732-0723.

With the fall sports season officially wrapped up, East Pennsboro student-athletes are shifting into winter sports action! Both the boys’ and girls’ basketball teams have been hosting open gyms, and official practices are now underway for all winter sports, including:

· Basketball (boys & girls)

· Unified Bocce

· Winter Cheerleading

· Swimming

· Wrestling

Be sure to check the full schedules on the district athletic webpage and come out to support our students as they compete this season.

Let’s cheer on our Panthers at games, matches, and meets!

The East Pennsboro Marching Band delivered an unforgettable performance on Saturday, November 1st, at the PA State Championships held at Upper Moreland High School. We are thrilled to share that the band earned an impressive 3rd place finish in the state!

Their powerful, artistic show highlighted the students’ dedication, talent, and countless hours of preparation. The energy on the field—and in the stands—reflected just how far this group has come this season.

Adding to the excitement, two sections earned standout recognition. Both the Color Guard and Percussion sections achieved 2nd place in the state, showcasing tremendous growth and exceptional skill. Their success is a testament to the hard work of our students and the guidance of our committed staff and volunteers.

On November 8th, the band took the national stage at the A Class Nationals competition, earning an impressive 8th place finish in their division and improving their score by nearly a full point.

We are beyond proud of their hard work, growth, and commitment. This small but mighty group of students captured our hearts and delivered a season we will always remember.

Congratulations to the East Pennsboro Marching Band on a fantastic year! Go Panthers!

Open 24 hours for all of your EP Spirit needs!

There are two lunch sessions at EPAHS. Students can deposit lunch money into their accounts by putting it in an envelope in the main office or online with School Bucks. Our district partners with Chartwell’s K-12. Please visit our district’s food service page for more information, including information on free and reduced price meals.

We would like to remind our families that the National School Lunch program requires annual renewal for participation in the program. Every year, a new Free/Reduced Meal Application or renewal in COMPASS must be completed for every student. The program allows for a 30-school day carryover period for approved students from the previous school year. The rollover period for the 2025 – 2026 school year ends on October 2, 2025. Any student not on the approved list for the current school year will switch to a full pay student beginning on October 3, 2025. There are no exceptions to this date.

If you have already received an approval letter for the 2025 - 2026 school year, no further action is needed.

A renewal on the COMPASS website or an application must be completed for your student to participate in the Free/Reduced Meal program. A link and applications can be found on the school website: EPASD.org→ Parents & Guardians→ Free & Reduced Meals. Click the website link to fill out an application online (COMPASS) or fill out an application. Please contact the business office at amcbride@epasd.org, if you have any questions.

Click the link for a parent-friendly guide to navigating your student's Google Classroom.

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1GSel8xwNYfbQhodBdogt9RC_TZpolTXb2TlZLQKwb_0/edit?usp=sharing

Did you know that in addition to accessing your student’s lunch account, you can also pay fees through MySchoolBucks?

If you have a newly enrolled student in grades 6-12, an invoice will be created for the initial device insurance fee. Please check your student’s account on MySchoolBucks.com. Please select School Store, then School Invoices to view all device invoices.

If your student has needed their device repaired, the insurance fee will cover the cost to repair the device. A new insurance fee will be applied to cover the cost of future incidents. Full details and payment information are available in our District’s 1:1 Device Guide. (epasd.org - parents & guardians - EPASD 1:1 Device Information - EPASD 1:1 Device Guide) To check your student’s account, please go to MySchoolBucks.com, select School Store, and then School Invoices to view all device invoices.

Payments can be mailed to the Administration Center: EPASD — Business Office, 890 Panther Parkway, Enola PA 17025. Please include the student number on the check.

The Cumberland County Library System is offering virtual tutoring sessions. Click the link for more information.

www.cumberlandcountylibraries.org/tutor

Email: tbianchi@epasd.org
Website: https://www.epasd.org/east-pennsboro-area-high-school/
Location: 425 West Shady Lane, Enola, PA, USA
Phone: 717-732-0723
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EastPennsboroAreaHigh/