June 4, 2026

As we approach the final week of the school year, we want to take a moment to reflect on the many meaningful experiences our students enjoyed this past week.

Thank you to all who attended and partnered with us at our Title I Breakfast & Workshop this past week. Together, we discussed how to avoid the summer slide and create a good routine for reading and keeping the learning alive throughout the summer. In addition to the workshop, all Title I families have now received a summer workbook to stave off the summer slide!

Our 5th graders had an exciting week of transition experiences! Students participated in the district-wide Camp Arrowhead Field Trip and they visited Technical College High School (TCHS), where they explored hands-on learning opportunities and gained insight into future educational pathways.

Our younger Bobcats were busy learning beyond the classroom as well:

• 1st Grade students enjoyed a beautiful day at Longwood Gardens, exploring nature, science, and the arts.
• 2nd Grade students participated in an important Water Safety Program at the YMCA, gaining valuable knowledge and skills to stay safe around water this summer.
• 4th Grade students stepped back in time during their visit to Colonial Plantation, bringing their social studies learning to life through immersive historical experiences.

We also celebrated our youngest learners during our Kindergarten End-of-Year Display, showcasing the incredible growth, creativity, and accomplishments of our kindergarten students. It was wonderful to see their hard work highlighted for families and staff to enjoy.

It's hard to believe the last week of school is here! The week ahead is filled with celebration, reflection, and opportunities to recognize our students' accomplishments. Here's what's coming in our final week of school:

• Wednesday, June 10 (Half Day for Students; 12:10 Dismissal)
• 5th Grade Promotion Ceremony (details below)
• Thursday, June 11 (Half Day for Students; 12:10PM Dismissal)

• Staff vs. 5th Grade Kickball Game
• End of Year Rita's Water Ice for all bobcats generously donated by the PTO.
• Friday, June 12 (Half-Day for Students; 12:10PM Dismissal)
• Last Day of School (Half Day for Students)

Spirit Week: Let's Finish Strong!

To celebrate our final week together, we'll be hosting our last Spirit Week of the school year! We encourage all Bobcats to participate and show their school spirit throughout the week. Be on the lookout for daily themes and join the fun as we celebrate a fantastic year together.

While we're excited to celebrate the close of this school year, we're already busy preparing for an amazing start to the 2026–2027 school year.

Please be sure to mark important August dates on your calendar. Additional details and back-to-school information will be shared throughout the summer. It's important to note:

• We're returning to "Sneak a Peek" to see your child's classroom and do a "meet the teacher" before the first day of school
• We're returning to an Open house event during the first week of school that is a caregiver-only event to learn more about the year's curriculum.

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

While we are taking a break for summer, we will continue to use our dismissal car tags again in late August -- please do NOT throw out your car tag. Stash it in your glove compartment for safe keeping, and we'll use it again soon!

Fern Hill was a one of the district's pilot schools who began departmentalization of instruction during the 2025-2026 school year with 4th and 5th grade students. Next Fall, all 11 WCASD elementary schools will move forward with departmentalization. Check out the infographic below for the details. We are looking forward to continuing the momentum we've gained in year 1 as we continue to departmentalize 4th and 5th grade instruction next year.

The West Chester Area YMCA is proud to partner with WCASD to provide Safety Around Water (SAW) programming for all second graders.

Beginning in 2026, students from all WCASD elementary schools will be invited to take part in a hands‑on water safety experience, led by trained YMCA staff. Children will learn important skills such as safe jumping, wearing life jackets, floating and treading water, and how to help someone in trouble safely. Students will also enjoy an Indoor Field Day or Outdoor Water Park experience.

This program is provided at no cost to families, thanks to the YMCA’s Annual Campaign, and helps keep our children safe around water.

Fern Hill 2nd Graders attended the Y's Safety Around Water on Thursday, June 4.

It's time to celebrate our 5th graders at their Promotion Ceremony! Details are below to ensure you are in the know from logistics to attire.

• 🗓️ Date: Wednesday, June 10, 2026
• 🕙 Time: 10:00–11:00 AM (Gym doors open at 9:30 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.

Please note the following:

• Entry: The Gym Doors will be the only access point for this event. The rest of the building will not be accessible.

• Wheelchair Access: Please use the entrance near the custodial garage door to avoid the gym stairs.

• Student Attire: Students should dress nicely, as they will be on stage throughout the ceremony.

  • Dresses must be to fingertip length with at least a 1” strap.

  • Other examples of attire include khaki shorts and polos, skirts with blouses.

• Sign-Out: After the ceremony, sign-out sheets will be available on the stage for dismissal.

We can’t wait to celebrate this special milestone with you and your child!

In WCASD’s full-day kindergarten, learning begins with play. Through hands-on, play-based experiences, children build language skills, confidence, creativity, and friendships while learning how to work together and try new things.

It’s a joyful foundation that supports your child’s growth today and sets them up for success in the years ahead. We can’t wait to welcome your family to the WCASD Way!

We need your help! It’s never too early to start planning how you want to be involved in all the fun activities the PTO puts on for our Bobcats next school year. Take a look at the available opportunities and sign-up here!

If you have any questions, please reach out to Meghan Kazanjian at meghankaz@gmail.com

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!

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.

• Fern Hill Website
• PTO Website
• Vacation Approval Request Form

• FHE: Kindergarten Lunch Duty
• FHE: 1st Grade Lunch Duty

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