The 2012-13 school year got off to a strong start today.  The day started with a class meeting with each of the classes.  The following is important information that was shared with the students during the meetings:

• In homeroom each student was provided with a handout from the counseling department that updates students with important information that is pertinent to what the students will experience this year.

• The Pennsylvania Department of Education has changed the state assessment process.  Beginning this year, juniors, sophomores, and freshmen will take the Keystone Exams in Algebra I, Literature, and Biology.  Juniors will be taking the three exams in December as part of the state’s process for determining Adequate Yearly progress (AYP).  Those juniors who do not score proficient on any of the exams will have the opportunity to retest in May.
• Freshmen and sophomores will be taking the three exams when they complete the course that prepares them for the exam.  This could be at the  end of the first semester in January or in May if the student has the class in the spring semester.  Similar to juniors, freshmen and sophomores who do not score proficient on an exam will have the opportunity to retest in the future.
• More information about the Keystone Exams will be shared with parents during the opening presentation at Parents’ Night on September 14 at 6:45 p.m. in the auditorium.
• To prepare for the Keystone Exams, all freshmen, sophomores, and juniors will take a reading and math benchmark assessment on September 6 and 7.  Seniors will be permitted to arrive at school at 8:40 a.m. on those two days.  These assessments will provide us with data that indicates a students’ preparedness for the Keystone Exams. It is important that each student applies himself or herself on these assessments.

• Significant upgrades have been made to the Parent Portal for the Sapphire System.  All parents are encouraged to open their own account that is separate from their students’ account.  Progress reports and report cards will no linger be mailed home since this information will be available through the Parent Portal.  If a family does not have internet access and needs to have report cards or progress reports mailed home, please contact the high school main office at 872-9520, ext. 1809.  To create an account in Sapphire, parents can access the Penn Manor School District website (www.pennmanor.net) and under the “PARENTS” tab select the “Sapphire Parent Portal Help and Instruction” subtab.

We look forward to seeing everyone at our Fall Kickoff Classic that is held Thursday, August 30 at 5:15 p.m. at Comet Field and at our Fall Parent’s Night on September 14.

We are reinforcing our commitment to good nutrition for the students.

Beginning this school year, we’re putting in place some new United States Department of Agriculture guidelines for even healthier meals for our students.

Please read the link to the parent letter below for more information.

PARENT LETTER Lunch Info

There will be price change in this year’s Trumpeter Yearbook. The base cost will be $66.00 but unlike past year’s books, this price will include the spring supplement. In the past the supplement was an additional $7.00.  In addition, this year Josten’s will offer an early bird sale price of $61.00 if you purchase your book before Oct. 7, 2012.

Flyers will be mailed out soon with more information on this offer. These flyers will also be available for pickup in the high school office. The flyers will include order information for online and over the phone ordering.

Senior Recognition Ads (baby ads), senior directories, and ballots for senior superlatives will be mailed out to the parents of this year’s seniors within the first two weeks of September. These are due back to the high school by Oct. 17, 2012. Extra forms will also be available at this time in the high school office.

Freshmen, Sophomores and Juniors are scheduled to have photos taken on Friday Sept. 21.  Retakes are Oct. 26.  All students should be photographed for ID cards and yearbook.  Teachers will have the picture day schedule posted.  If you are purchasing pictures, be sure to bring your order form and payment with you.

Final Senior portraits and retakes are Sep 19 and 20. Students or parents should call Lifetouch at 1-800-445-1189 to schedule appointments. These portraits are done at no cost (unless you want to order copies) but they are the only ones that will be accepted to be placed in the yearbook senior portrait section.

Aug/Sept Breakfast

Aug/Sept Lunch High School

This is a reminder to parents with a child or children attending school in our School District that we do not carry medical insurance on students, but do provide parents with the opportunity to select a primary excess group insurance plan for students. Student accident insurance can help you eliminate the possibility of out-of-pocket expenses, since many group insurance policies no longer pay full hospital and medical expenses and may require a deductible or co-insurance. There are two plans available for your consideration.  If you are interested, see the attached brochure for a description of the plans and an application form.2012-2013_AA-X-NS-30-116_brochure_complete