May Newsletter

Dear Spear Families,

As we approach the close of the 2025–2026 school year, I want to sincerely thank our students, families, and staff for the commitment, flexibility, and partnership shown throughout the year. Supporting students in a virtual environment requires communication, follow-through, and teamwork, and we appreciate the role each family has played in helping students move toward success.

 

With the finish line now in sight, our focus turns to closing the school year responsibly and ensuring all final academic, enrollment, technology, and graduation responsibilities are completed. Please review the information below carefully and complete all required end-of-year items by June 1, 2026.

 

Teacher grading volume is currently very high as final submissions are processed. Families should allow time for grading and understand that deadlines remain firm. Students are encouraged to communicate with teachers now regarding any unresolved concerns rather than waiting until the final days of the school year.

Graduation is a significant milestone, and we are proud of the perseverance, growth, and commitment our seniors have shown throughout their educational journey.

 

Spear has consistently maintained a 99% graduation rate, and that success reflects the shared effort of students, families, and staff working together toward a common goal.

As graduation approaches, seniors should continue monitoring communications, attending required events, and completing all final obligations to ensure a smooth finish. We look forward to celebrating this important accomplishment with you.

 

Students who complete their End-of-Year Closeout Checklist will be considered present for the final week of school.

Seniors

☐ Return Chromebook and school-issued technology during graduation practice

☐ Attend graduation events and required practices

☐ Complete all graduation clearance requirements

☐ Thank the families, teachers, and supporters who helped you reach this milestone

 

Grades 9–11

☐ Complete Smart Futures graduation credential progress requirements

☐ Complete the End-of-Year Survey

☐ Complete the 2026–2027 Spear Re-Enrollment Form

☐ Return district-issued hotspot if one was signed out

 

Grades K–8

☐ Complete the End-of-Year Survey with your observer

☐ Complete the 2026–2027 Spear Re-Enrollment Form

☐ Return district-issued hotspot if one was signed out

Completion of the Act 339 / Smart Futures career readiness credential is required for graduation.

Students should currently be on pace with the following minimum completion expectations:

Grade 9 — 2 completed activities

Grade 10 — 4 completed activities

Grade 11 — 5 completed activities (requirement complete)

Students may log into Smart Futures using their school credentials to review progress and complete missing activities.

Students are encouraged to monitor progress yearly to avoid delays during senior graduation clearance.

 

Smart Futures Information: Smart Futures Info

Please take time to complete the Spear End-of-Year Parent / Student Survey. Your feedback plays an important role in helping us evaluate current practices, identify areas for improvement, guide policy changes, and determine where future program focus and development should occur.

Your input helps us decide what is working well, what should be improved, and where we should focus future changes for students and families.

 

Families planning to remain enrolled in Spear for the 2026–2027 school year must complete the online re-enrollment form by June 1, 2026.

Please note that Spear enrollment for the 2026–2027 school year will be capped. Placement will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis once re-enrollment opens.

Students who are not re-enrolled by the deadline will be scheduled to return to in-person instruction and will lose priority placement within Spear.

☐ Returning to Spear next year? Complete the re-enrollment form online. Complete the 2026–2027 SPEAR Re-enrollment Form

Seniors must return all district-issued technology devices during graduation practice.

This includes:

Failure to return school property may result in replacement fees:

Computer — $300

Charger — $35

Hotspot — $150

 

Students in Grades K–11 only need to return district-issued hotspots if one was signed out through the district.

Failure to return a hotspot may result in replacement fees:

Hotspot — $150

If you are experiencing issues with school technology devices, please bring them to the Spear office prior to the start of the 2026–2027 school year so they can be addressed.

 

Final grades are currently being finalized by teachers and will be distributed to Guidance on Monday, June 1. Once received, Guidance will begin uploading report card grades into ParentVUE / StudentVUE.

Final grades should be available by June 9, 2026.

 

If your child requires summer school due to a failed course, please complete registration by June 13, 2026.

 

 

Shamokin Area Middle / High School Summer School 2026 will run from June 15, 2026 through July 9, 2026. Classes will be held Monday through Thursday only.

Summer school is primarily designed for failure makeup and credit recovery.

In addition, the district is exploring the possibility of offering credit recovery opportunities for additional courses if sufficient student interest exists. Course availability will be determined based on enrollment demand and staffing.

Additional information will be provided as summer school registration is reviewed.

Elementary Families

If your child is being retained, Guidance will contact your family directly.

During June, Spear will release an additional newsletter outlining upcoming program changes, updated expectations, policy adjustments, and new opportunities being introduced for the 2026–2027 school year.

We are continuing to evaluate ways to strengthen the student and family experience while improving communication, support systems, and program offerings.

 

May 29 — Senior Graduation (6:30 PM)

June 1 — Final Day to Complete End-of-Year Checklist Items

June 9 — Final Grades Available in ParentVUE / StudentVUE

June 13 — Summer School Registration Deadline

June 15 — Summer School Begins

Registration Deadline: August 7

Late Registration / Changes: August 11

The Spear office will maintain regular hours through June 8, 2026.

Following that date, the office will be closed on Fridays throughout the summer until the first week of the new school year.

Meetings with the Director must be scheduled through the Spear office and will be based on availability.

 

Crossing the finish line requires focus, follow-through, and partnership.

Thank you for the trust you place in Spear and for the continued role you play in supporting student success. We are proud of what our students have accomplished this year and look forward to finishing the school year strong together.

Sincerely,