Old Trail Intermediate Summer News

It has been a great start to the school year! It is amazing to see so many smiling faces every day as our students come together to show their love for learning. We are looking forward to an awesome year. Last week we had an assembly on respect and determination presented by Mr. Michael Cox, former NFL player and Red land alumni. Yet to come this month is a talk by Mr. Matt Gay, assistant superintendent, that focuses on the importance of kindness, respect, and inclusion, with a particular emphasis on understanding racism, embracing differences, and the impact of our actions on others.

We are also still adding student photos to our Old Trail Family Photo wall. You can send photos in to Mr. Knepp to be included on the wall.

Just a few points about how car drop offs and pick-ups work here at Old Trail. When you come into the school complex the loop to the right is for cars and the loop to the left is exclusively for busses and transportation vans.

Our school doors open at 7:55 am and that is the time when staff are also on duty to receive the students. Please do not drop your children off earlier than 7:55 for their safety. The late bell rings at 8:10 am and any student arriving after 8:10 will be marked tardy (unless they were on a late bus). If your student has a morning appointment, kindly bring a note from the doctor when you bring them to school.

In the afternoon we have numerous parents who are parking in the lot on the bus side and asking their children to walk across the bus lanes to their cars. This causes potential danger for those students as the drivers are focused on their bus and the students inside. We ask that you join the car pick-up line and wait patiently for your turn to pull up to the loading area to pick up your students. If you need to park to come inside, please use the lot on the car pick-up side.

Previously, West Shore School District offered breakfast and lunch at no charge to all students each day through an option called the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), which is available to some schools participating in the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program (SBP). Unfortunately, CEP is no longer a viable option for West Shore School District. We will continue to offer a healthy breakfast and lunch to students during the school day, but will return to the previous system of charging for lunches and collecting household applications for households that wish to apply for free or reduced priced lunches. Based on current state law we anticipate offering students one free breakfast per day regardless of their family’s economic status.

This year, lunch will cost $3.40 for primary/intermediate schools. Families have the option of adding funds to their child's account online through LINQ Connect or with cash or check. Checks should be made payable to “West Shore Cafeteria Fund” and sent to school in an envelope with the student’s name, ID number, and the amount of the deposit written on the front.

Applications for Free/Reduced Lunches will be sent home on the first day of school. If you believe your family qualifies, we urge you to apply. They are also linked here.

Each month teachers select a student from their class who has best demonstrated the Character Strong word of the month. September's focus is on RESPECT. Students will receive a phone call home, be recognized at our monthly assembly, and have their pictures featured in the showcase. We are so proud of our Old Trail students and their positive behavior choices.

We will be managing the following social media accounts this year...

Instagram- OTPatriots

Facebook (managed by PTO)- Old Trail Intermediate School PTO

Please follow, like, and watch as we will post OTIS happenings throughout the year!

Below are some important upcoming dates:

• Wednesday, September 11 - Mr. Gay presenting assembly on kindness, respect, and inclusion

• Tuesday, September 23 - Picture Day

• Friday, September 26 - Remote Learning Day

• Tuesday, September 30 - Old Trail Canteen (students can spend their Trail Bucks)

• Wednesday, October 8 - Attorney General Anti-Bullying Assemblies

The Old Trail PTO did an amazing job last year and we are very appreciative of the parents who stepped up to take on the huge task of starting a PTO from scratch. Thank you also to all our families who participated in our family events and fundraisers. Our PTO meetings are held in the Old Trail Learning Commons (library) on the second Wednesday of each month at 6:30 pm. We also have a Microsoft TEAMS option for those who cannot attend in person. We hope you can join us and thank you for your support!

The PTO officers for the 2025-2026 School year are:

• President - Rachel Nusinov
• Vice President - Nicki Wilson
• Treasurer - Kim Mongiello
• Recording Secretary - Jen Wolf
• Corresponding Secretary - Tara Scarcia
• Member at Large - Andrea Tartler

Chipotle Community Night Fundraiser - Saturday, 9/13/25 from 4:00 to 8:00 pm.

Stop in for dinner at the Chipotle on Carlisle Rd, Camp Hill and the Old Trail PTO will receive a portion of the profits. Be sure to tell them you are with Old Trail.

PTO $1 PJ Day - Thursday, September 25

On 9/25/25, you can pay $1 and wear your pajamas to school all day. Proceeds will go to fund PTO events and activities.