Old Trail Intermediate Summer News

It is hard to believe it is already October. Last month we had so many exciting things happen at Old Trail. Mr. Matthew Gay, assistant superintendent, presented assemblies on inclusion and acceptance and anti-vaping lessons were presented for all fifth grade students. We had our first Picture Day with our new school portrait company, Legacy Studios. September Students of the Month had a trip to Water Golf on City Island and our first Canteen was held.

This month promises to be just as exciting. An anti-bullying assembly is being presented by the Attorney General's office and the West Shore Marching Band will be coming to perform for our students. Grade 6 will be given the PAYS survey and grades 5 and 6 the PA School Climate survey. Our PTO will be hosting their first Skating Party of the year and we will have Picture Retake Day. We are also taking names for students interested in participating in the 2025-2026 Student Council.

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 or walking with their students 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.

This school year we continue to offer a healthy breakfast and lunch to students during the school day, but returned to the previous system of charging for lunches and collecting household applications for households that wish to apply for free or reduced priced lunches. This year, lunch costs $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 were sent home on the first day of school. If you believe your family qualifies, we urge you to apply. You can apply at any time. They are also linked here.

Some of our students are spending the money in their account on multiple snacks each day, many of which they share with others. We encourage you to have a conversation with your student about the best way to use the money in their account if it is being used faster than what you would expect.

Unity Day was started by PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center and provides us with an opportunity to stand united against bullying and in support of kindness, acceptance, and inclusion. On Wednesday, October 22, all West Shore students, teachers, administrators, secretaries, bus drivers, food service staff, parents, and community members are invited to get involved and wear the color orange. Thank you in advance for participating.

Our Old Trail Drama Club is hard at work preparing for this year's fall musical, Seussical Jr., under the direction of Mrs. Katelyn Graft, music teacher. With sets to prepare, costumes to design, songs to learn, choreography to master, and lines to memorize it is quite an undertaking. The musical will be held at Crossroads Middle School on Friday, November 14 starting at 7:00 pm. All are welcome to come and enjoy this amazing presentation.

Each month teachers select a student from their class who has best demonstrated the Character Strong word of the month. October's focus is on RESPONSIBILITY. Students will receive a phone call home, be recognized at our monthly assembly, and have a special treat. 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, October 8 - Auditor General's Office presenting assembly on bullying

• Friday, October 10 - Remote Learning Day

• Monday, October 13 - NO SCHOOL

• Friday, October 17 - WSSD Marching Band Assembly

• Wednesday, October 22 - West Shore Unity Day - wear ORANGE

• Tuesday, October 28 - Picture Retake Day

• Friday, October 31 -Parent Teacher Conference Day

The Old Trail PTO is hard at work again this year supporting our students and teachers. 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

PTO Meeting - Wednesday,October 8

Meeting is held in the Old Trail Learning Commons (library) at 6:30 pm. We also have a Microsoft TEAMS option for those who cannot attend in person.

PTO $1 PJ Day - Thursday, October 9

On 10/9/25, you can pay $1 and wear your pajamas to school all day. Proceeds will go to fund PTO events and activities.

PTO Skating Party - Thursday, October 16

On 10/16/25 at 6:00 pm we will hold our first skating party of the year at Fountainblue.

PTO Fund Run Kick-Off - Monday, October 20

Our annual Fund Run fundraiser will kick-off on Monday, October 20. Money raised will go to fund our field trips and other student activities. We will be wrapping up with a Turkey Trot on November 8.