Old Trail Intermediate Summer News

Hello Old Trail families and welcome to March. Feels like spring is just around the corner!

For the shortest month, February sure was full of a lot to do. We kicked the month off with an assembly by Holly Seria, a talented musician that is focused on "How to Choose the Right Every Day". Our sixth grade finished attending boating instruction at Red Land. We wrapped up Mini-THON with a Dodgeball tournament and the Mini-THON finale last week. Our students raised $12,430.19 for children in cancer treatment at Hershey Medical Center. We finished reading Restart, our One School One Book, and the Book Bash was held on February 17. And our PTO hosted another Skating Party and McTeacher Night.

March has many things in store for Old Trail students. Several of our band students are participating in the District Honors Band at Red Land. Sixth grade students will have their Biz Town job interviews in preparation for their trip in April. We are also holding a Staff vs. Students basketball game on March 19. During the February and March Old Trail Canteen, students may use their Trail Bucks to “buy a chance” to play in the game and 40 student names will be drawn. Our PTO is holding a spring fundraiser with Bedford Candies selling candy and popcorn. And they will be hosting their final skating party on April 1.

Trimester two ends on Friday, March 6. Teachers will then finalize grades and prepare report cards. Report cards will be available on PowerSchool starting March 23.

Every three years, the West Shore School District engages in a comprehensive planning process to evaluate our programs, identify priorities, and establish clear goals that guide the future of our schools. Comprehensive planning is a critical component of continuous improvement, ensuring responsible use of resources while strengthening academic opportunities and support systems for all students.

The District is currently developing its 2026-2029 Comprehensive Plan. This process includes reviewing student achievement data, assessing district needs, and gathering valuable feedback from students, families, staff, and community stakeholders. Community input plays an important role in shaping the plan and ensuring it reflects the shared priorities of our school community.

The proposed plan was presented to the Board of School Directors at its February 19, 2026, meeting. As the plan moves through review and approval, updates, presentations, and supporting documents will continue to be posted online.

Community members are encouraged to review the materials and stay engaged in the planning process by visiting:
https://www.wssd.k12.pa.us/ComprehensivePlanning.aspx

Questions, comments, or feedback may be submitted through our Contact Us page at:
www.wssd.k12.pa.us/ContactUs.aspx

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.

Mini-THON happened here at Old Trail Intermediate! Students participated events such as Delay Day, Staff Challenges, and Dodgeball as we built up to our Mini-THON event on February 27! Over 120 students attended this fun event. Our final grand total for funds raised for the Four Diamonds was $12,430.19. Thank you to everyone for their support through donations, fundraising, and time. But most of all, thank you to Ms. Kristi Colwell for all her hard word to make this event possible.

March Reading Challenge

“Roaring to Read”

Complete one of March’s Reading Bookmarks in the Library.

Return it to Mrs. Barnes and receive a Hershey Bears “Roaring to Read” Certificate that earns you a complimentary student ticket for one of the following nights:

March 15

April 18

April 19

Each month teachers select a student from their class who has best demonstrated the Character Strong word of the month. March's focus is on COOPERATION. Students will receive a certificate, be recognized at our monthly assembly, have their picture posted in the showcase, 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, March 4 - Honors Band

• March 11-13 - Biz Town Interviews

• Thursday, March 19 - Staff/Student basketball game

• Friday, March 20 -No School

• Monday, March 23- Virtual Learning 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, March 10

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 Fundraiser Due - Thursday, March 11

We’re excited to kick off our Bedford Candies Easter Fundraiser to help raise money for our upcoming 5th and 6th grade spring field trips! Every purchase directly supports our spring field trips, helping offset transportation and admission costs so all students can participate in these enriching, hands-on learning experiences.

PTO Skating Party - Wednesday, April 1

Join us for skating at Fountainbleu from 6:00 until 8:30 pm. Admission is $5 per skater with rentals available for $4.75.