AE Weekly Newsletter
April 19, 2026
Supporting Your Child During the PSSA
As we begin our state testing window for the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA), we want to partner with you to help your child feel confident, prepared, and ready to do their best. While these assessments are just one measure of student learning, they are an opportunity for students to show what they know and how much they’ve grown this year.
Here are some simple, practical ways you can support your child during testing:
Encouraging Your Child to Do Their Best
Children often take their cues from the adults around them. A calm, positive message goes a long way.
- Remind your child that effort matters more than perfection.
- Celebrate progress and growth rather than focusing on scores.
- Encourage them to take their time, read carefully, and check their work.
- Use simple affirmations like, “Just do your best—that’s all anyone can ask.”
Helping Your Child Manage Test Anxiety
It’s completely normal for students to feel some nervousness. A little reassurance can make a big difference.
- Keep conversations about testing low-pressure and encouraging.
- Help your child name their feelings and normalize them (“It’s okay to feel nervous”).
- Practice calming strategies such as deep breathing or positive self-talk.
- Maintain normal routines at home to provide a sense of stability.
If your child tends to feel anxious, remind them that they can take their time, pause, and use the strategies their teacher has modeled in class.
Setting Your Child Up for a Strong Start Each Day
A smooth morning routine helps students feel focused and ready.
- Ensure your child gets a good night’s sleep (8–10 hours is ideal for elementary students).
- Provide a healthy breakfast with protein and whole grains.
- Arrive at school on time to avoid feeling rushed or stressed.
- Make sure your child has everything they need for the day to find success - a charged laptop, water, etc.
- Encourage a positive send-off: a smile, a hug, or a few encouraging words can set the tone for the day.
A Final Thought
Your support at home plays a powerful role in your child’s confidence and mindset. When students feel calm, encouraged, and prepared, they are better able to show what they truly know.
Thank you for partnering with us to support your child during this important time!
Important 2026-2027 Transportation Information
DEADLINE - JULY 26, 2026
Important information and reminders for transportation for the 2026-2027 school year:
- Transportation starts from scratch every year.
- If you have special arrangements for your student, you need to fill out a permanent alternate transportation request form before every school year.
- Please go to our website and fill out a form by JULY 26th if your student needs special arrangements. (address must fall within our district boundaries)
- If your child is going to be a parent pick-up or parent transport and will not use the busing that is offered, please fill out the form as well.
- If your child will need to be transported to/from a daycare that we transport to, please fill out the following form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfK-wfU4fpx-PiBOL5nyiRbbDMgQqEI5Jd-AiyS9R_mXImMkA/viewform
NOTE: If you have not submitted your unique transportation needs by July 26th, we cannot guarantee transport that matches your needs in time for the start of the school year.
Sixth Grade Slide Show
Sixth Grade Families, we need your help! Mr. Hitz will be working with a group of sixth-grade students to create a slideshow highlighting their elementary careers for the recognition celebration in June. If you have pictures of your child and their classmates at district events, please share them with Mr. Hitz at ahitz@acschools.org. Pictures can be from any year, kindergarten through sixth grade. Thank you in advance for your help!!
Programs at the Annville Free Library
PTO Updates
PTO Fox Meadows Gift Card Fundraiser order forms and money due by 4/24/26. Gift cards will be sent home with students the week of 5/1/26. Order form attached.
AC PTO has items on their wishlist for upcoming events and PBIS student incentives. They appreciate your support!
https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2VY2XUIYTRZBP?ref_=wl_share
Cleona Field Day Volunteer and Supplies Sign-Up:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040D48AEAD2FA6FD0-63432393-cleona
6th Grade Lunch Supplies Sign-Up:
Annville Youth League Registration
Registration is now open for track and field, football camp, and cheerleading camp! Use the link below to sign up!
A-C Basketball Camp
Date: June 29th- July 2nd
Grade Entering: 1st- 6th Grades
Time: 8:30 a.m.- 12:00 p.m.
Address: Annville-Cleona High School Gym
Cost: $80 per camper
*Early Reg Discount: $75 if registered by May 10, 2026
Check Payable to: AC Girls Basketball Booster Club
Checks mailed to: 551 Nottingham Way, Annville, PA 17003
Contact us **Multi-Camper Discount: $65 per camper
at (717) 813-1107 or colettijas@gmail.com; 717-682-4485 or wee4three@gmail.com
ALL CAMPERS RECEIVE A CAMP T-SHIRT.
Save the Date
- 4/21-4/23 - ELA PSSA Testing (Grades 3-6)
- 4/28-4/29 - Math PSSA Testing (Grades 3-6)
- 4/30-5/1 - Science PSSA Testing (Grade 5)
- 5/14 - Elementary Art Show - Band and Chorus Concert
- 5/21 - Jazz Band Concert
- 5/27 - End of Year Celebration - Secondary Campus from 5:00-7:30
- 5/28 - Beginner Band Concert
School Spotlight
It's been a busy week at AE! See below for some of the events and learning that have taken place!
Math Freckle Challenge
Mrs. Iacavone's fifth-grade students competed with one another in a Math Freckle Challenge for the last several weeks. The goal was to see how many questions students could answer correctly at their instructional level. Together, the grade level answered an amazing 69,486 questions correctly! The top five finishers helped Mrs. Hoover at Friday's assembly, they also received a special surprise from Mrs. Iacavone. Congratulations to the following students:
- Julia Madara - 1932 questions
- Ethan Long - 1519 questions
- Phoebe Liepelt - 1506
- Finley Baker - 1334
- Jackson Gibble - 1287
Pathways for Effective Communication
Directing questions and/or concerns to the appropriate person(s) encourages greater collaboration and streamlines the process of answering questions, alleviating concerns, and ensuring that we are all “on the same page”. Please use the document, linked here, to help identify your first contact (and additional points of contact if necessary).
Community Resources
Don't forget to check out the Community Bulletin Page on the District Website for the many events happening in our A-C Community linked here!
Stay Connected
Follow Us on X (formally Twitter): @AnnvilleElem