May 22, 2026
What a busy and exciting week it has been at Fern Hill!
Our celebratory events are filling the calendar! From field trips to special events and end-of-year celebrations, there is hardly a day between now and June 12 that is not filled with fun, learning, and memorable experiences for our students.
This past week was no exception. Our Beginner Strings & Band Concert was a wonderful celebration of the hard work, growth, and courage our student musicians have shown this year. We are so proud of their performances and grateful to Mr. Nixdord, Ms. Letherland, and our families for their support along the way.
Our 5th graders had an incredible experience visiting the Constitution Center, where they brought their learning to life through interactive exhibits and activities connected to American history. Our Kindergarten students also had a fantastic time at Milky Way Farm exploring the farm, meeting animals, and enjoying a beautiful day of learning outdoors.
Looking Ahead
Next week brings a different schedule along with several exciting events:
- Monday, May 25 — No School (Memorial Day)
- Tuesday, May 26 — 3rd Grade Economics Fair
- Wednesday, May 27 — No School
- Thursday, May 28 — Heritage Day
- Friday, May 29 — Volunteer Appreciation Cold Brew & Connection at 8:30 AM & Fun Day
We Need Your Feedback!!
We are also excited to share that all WCASD Title I schools will transition to a Title I Schoolwide Program model next school year. While we have proudly been a Title I school for many years, this transition will allow us to expand opportunities for family engagement through workshops, family learning sessions, and school events designed to support student success for all families.
As we begin planning for next year, your voice and feedback are incredibly important to us. Please take a few moments to complete the Caregiver Connection Feedback Form by Friday, May 29.
Volunteers, please join us!
We also want to take this opportunity to thank the many volunteers who have supported our students, staff, and school community throughout the year. Your time, care, and partnership truly make a difference. 👉 RSVP Here to let us know you will join us for our Volunteer Appreciation Cold Brew & Connection on Friday, May 29 at 8:30 AM as a small token of our gratitude.
Upcoming Dates
May 25 - No School
May 26 - Senior Walk for High School Graduates
May 27 - No School
May 28 - Heritage Day
May 29 - Volunteer Appreciation - Cold Brew & Connection at 8:30AM
May 29 - Fun Day - Families welcome!
June 2 - Title I Parent Info Session at 8:30AM
June 2 - 5th Grade Field Trip to TCHS
June 3 - 5th Grade Field Trip to Camp Arrowhead
June 3 - 1st Grade Field Trip to Longwood Gardens
June 4 - 2nd Grade Field Trip to YMCA for Water Safety
June 5 - 4th Grade Field Trip to Colonial Plantation
June 8 - Incoming Kindergarten Testing
June 9 - 5th Grade Breakfast
June 9 - PBIS End of Year Celebration
June 10 - Half Day of School; 12:10 Dismissal
- 5th Grade Promotion Ceremony at 10am
June 11 - Half Day of School' 12:10 Dismissal
- 5th Grade v. Staff Kickball Game
June 12 - Half Day of School; 12:10 Dismissal - LAST DAY!
- 4th v. 5th Grade Capture the Flag
Don't Miss out on Fun Day - May 29!
Fun Day on May 29th (rain date: June 1st). The schedule is:
- Grades 2–4: 9:30–11:30 AM
- Kindergarten & Grade 1: 1:30–3:05 PM
Parents are welcome to attend and cheer on our students, especially our 5th graders, who will take on leadership roles during the event before heading off to middle school.
As part of a Fern Hill tradition, all 5th graders are invited to help set up for Fun Day at 7:30 AM on May 29th. Breakfast, including donuts and juice, will be provided at no cost.
To celebrate their leadership and contributions throughout the year, the teachers and 5th graders will also face off in a special kickball game during one of the final days of school — always a student favorite!
Thank you for being such an important part of the Fern Hill community. We are proud of our students and look forward to a great finish to the school year!
5th Grade Reminders
There are many exciting events coming up in your child's final 5 weeks of elementary school. It's a bittersweet feeling as we have truly enjoyed working alongside this cohort of learners over the years. We want to make sure you have all of the end-of-year events in one place to ensure that your child is ready for each activity, and that you can join us as often as your schedule allows. Here's the save-the-date for all events as well as some specifics about our Promotion Ceremony on June 10 for your planning purposes. We look forward to seeing you soon to celebrate your child's elementary journey.
Promotion Ceremony
🗓️ Date: Wednesday, June 10, 2026
🕙 Time: 10:00–11:00 AM
📍 Location: Fern Hill Gym/Auditorium
**To ensure a safe and comfortable experience for all families, we ask that each student be limited to 5 guests. Seating is limited, and this helps us remain within fire code guidelines. Siblings who attend Fern Hill will have floor seating with their peers and do not need to be included in your 5 guest limit.
Fern Hill Unplugged Event
Join the Fern Hill Unplugged Chapter at the West Chester YMCA on Airport Rd on Friday, June 5th from 5-7pm for a free, screen-free night of indoor play! Bouncy houses, crafts, slime making, and other fun activities. Siblings are welcome, please RSVP!
We will be putting all Fern Hill families that sign up to join our chapter via the WC Unplugged Survey into a raffle to win a TinCan Phone or a phone from RingRing Club. Contact Ali Haas, 410-610-2073 for more information about our FHE chapter!
Scan your receipts to earn BoxTops for Fern Hill
Earning money for our school has never been easier! All you need to do is download the Box Tops app, create an account, and scan your grocery receipt. Easy and quick! Last year we earned $500 from Box Tops for Fern Hill!
Dining Night Out & Important Fundraising Dates!
Tuesday, June 2: 4-8pm. Dining Night Out at Chipotle West Chester (25% of sales @ 101 Turner Lane)
Volunteer Clearances
We love having our families volunteer throughout the building. In order to volunteer, adults are required to have their clearances on file with us. Clearances can take 4-6 weeks to acquire, so please be sure to get the process started if you're looking to volunteer this Fall.
Planning a Vacation?
Fern Hill Elementary School
Principal
Email: jsouthmayd@wcasd.net
Website: https://www.wcasd.net/fhe
Location: 915 Lincoln Avenue, West Chester, PA, USA
Phone: 484 266 1600
Twitter: @FernHillES