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Shamokin Area School District

Dedicated To Excellence In Education

April 14, 2026

April Newsletter

A laptop displays a Final Stretch Checklist beside books, a graduation cap, and reminders about testing and due dates.
A stylized shield emblem with a geometric arrowhead design in purple and blue.

Spear Newsletter

April 2026
A laptop displays a 'Final Stretch Checklist' with tasks like 'Check Grades' and 'Study for Tests'.
 

Final Stretch
Dear Spear Families,
 
April marks the final full instructional month before the close of the semester. As we enter the final stretch, consistent routines, daily engagement, and steady progress are essential for student success.
 
Students should continue monitoring grades and pacing in Pearson Connexus, reviewing attendance and daily engagement, addressing any overdue or missing assignments, and communicating with teachers when support is needed.
 
Students are expected to log in and engage in coursework daily, even if they feel caught up. Engagement should include meaningful work such as completing lessons, assessments, and communicating with teachers—not just logging in.
 
Families should begin actively reviewing progress toward the May 22 final work submission deadline (Senior work deadline: May 15).
 
Seniors are encouraged to review their senior checklist.
Students are encouraged to finish early whenever possible to allow time for corrections or issues. As deadlines approach, teacher response times may be slightly delayed due to increased grading volume, and teachers may use discretion when accepting late work.
 
It is important that families regularly check the Connexus Observer Dashboard and monitor Buzz email notifications. If a student’s grade falls below 70% in any course, a Buzz email is automatically sent. These notifications serve as an early warning system. If you are seeing low grades in the Observer account, you should also be receiving these emails—please check spam or junk folders if needed.
 
Each year, families are often surprised at the end of the semester by grades or graduation status. Do not wait until May. Review progress now and address concerns early.
 

State Testing
The Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA) is a state-required assessment that measures student progress in English Language Arts, Mathematics, and Science. Participation is required for all eligible students.
 
State testing begins April 20 with PSSA exams and continues into May with Keystone Exams.
 
Notice: The Spear Learning Lab will be closed on all testing dates.
  • April 20-30th
  • May 12th-19th
 
Elementary School (Grades 3–6 – PSSA)
 
Students will report to the Elementary School building for testing.
 
Students must arrive no later than 8:00 AM. Testing begins at 8:15 AM. Doors open at 7:25 AM, and students are eligible for free breakfast prior to testing.
 
Students should bring their school-issued Chromebook fully charged. Students may leave once testing is complete, typically around 11:30 AM, but families should remain flexible. If a student is absent, they will need to attend a make-up session and may be required to stay for a full day. Transportation home is not provided.
 
  • April 20–22: PSSA ELA (Grades 3–6)
  • April 27–28: PSSA Math (Grades 3–6)
  • April 29–30: PSSA Science (Grade 5 only)
 
Middle School (Grades 7–8 – PSSA)
 
Students will report to the Middle/High School building.
 
Students must arrive at the start of the school day. Doors open at 7:25 AM, and students are eligible for free breakfast prior to testing. Testing begins at 8:15 AM.
 
Students should bring their school-issued Chromebook fully charged. Students may leave once testing is complete, but families should remain flexible. If a student is absent, they will need to attend a make-up session and may be required to stay for a full day. Transportation home is not provided.
 
  • April 20–22: PSSA ELA (Grades 7–8)
  • April 27–28: PSSA Math (Grades 7–8)
  • April 29–30: PSSA Science (Grade 8 only)
 
High School (Keystone Exams – Contacted Students Only)
 
Students will report to the High School Auditorium at the start of the school day.
 
Doors open at 7:25 AM, and students are eligible for free breakfast prior to testing.
 
Keystone Exams are administered in May on assigned dates for contacted students only that have taken the Keystone trigger courses. Families who received notification should ensure attendance on those dates. If you are unsure whether your child is required to attend, please contact the guidance department.
 
  • May 12–13: Keystone Algebra
  • May 14–15: Keystone Biology
  • May 18–19: Keystone Literature
 
Contacts
  • Elementary: Laura Fetterman – virtual@indians.k12.pa.us
  • Middle/ High School: Matt Weller – virtual@indians.k12.pa.us.
 
Final Parent Note
 
If your child is required to test, attendance is expected on all assigned testing days. Please plan ahead for arrival and transportation home to ensure a smooth testing experience.
 
Documents
 

Upcoming Events & Key Dates
 
April
 
  • April 13 – Prom Tickets on Sale (High School, available in SASD Lobby from 7:25–8:00 AM or through an advisor; eligibility required)
  • April 20–22 – PSSA ELA (Grades 3–8)
  • April 20–May 1 – MORP Tickets on Sale ($10; eligibility based on attendance; questions: virtual@indians.k12.pa.us)
  • April 27–28 – PSSA Math (Grades 3–8)
  • April 29–30 – PSSA Science (Grades 5 & 8)
 
 
May
 
  • May 2 – MORP (Middle School) – Info Click Here
  • May 8 – Prom / Promenade (High School, $45, on sale in SASD Lobby from 7:25–8:00 AM or contact an advisor; eligibility required)
  • May 12–13 – Keystone Algebra (High School – Contacted Students)
  • May 14–15 – Keystone Biology (High School – Contacted Students)
  • May 15 – Senior Work Submission Deadline (All coursework due no later than 11:59 PM)
  • May 18–19 – Keystone Literature (High School – Contacted Students)
  • May 22–29 – Technology Turn-In (All Chromebooks and chargers must be returned to the Spear VLA Lab; failure to return will result in student fees)
  • May 22 – Final Day to Submit Semester Work (All K–11 Students)
  • May 23 – Alumni Banquet (Starts at 5:30 PM)
  • May 26 – Senior Sunset (6:00 PM to sunset on the football field; students only; rain date May 28)
  • May 26–29 – Graduation Practice (Starts at 8:00 AM daily; May 26–29)
  • May 27 – Baccalaureate (5:30 PM) and Awards Night (6:30 PM)
  • May 29 – Graduation (6:30 PM; tickets distributed at practice along with full event details)
 
 
Final Word
 
April is about staying focused and finishing strong. The work students do now will directly impact how the school year ends. Once deadlines pass, courses close and grades are finalized.
 
Thank you for your continued partnership and support.
 
Sincerely,
The Spear Team
(570) 509-2870
Spear YouTube
Originally posted in ParentSquare: April 14, 2026
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