WELCOME, NEW EDUCATORS
ROW 1: Mary Fleming, Christopher Kramer, Brianna Kennedy, Karlie Heft
ROW 2: Benjamin Hilt, Ellen Drescher, Destiny Danze, Macy Neff
ROW 3: Kayley Eshleman, Kristen Bingaman, Caitlyn Pike, Kristin Mincarelli, Michele Drager, Adella Brady
ROW 4: David Eby, Jesse Bishop, Austin Brass, John Brackbill, Courtney Schlottman
ADMINISTRATIVE UPDATE
Mrs. Sabrina Ramirez was appointed as the Assistant to the Ephrata Intermediate Principal. Most recently, Mrs. Ramirez served as a Curriculum Specialist in the Lebanon School District. She has also been a STEM teacher, coach, and classroom teacher for third and fourth grades. Mrs. Ramirez obtained her Bachelor of Science Degree from Penn State University and Master's Degree from Universidad del Turabo. In addition to her dedication as an educational leader who is passionate about creating a positive school culture where students and staff feel supported, challenged, and empowered to succeed, her professional achievements include receiving the WITF Teacher Impact Award and the Keystone Technology Innovator Award, as well as participating in a Learning Forward Academy cohort.
KINDERGARTEN
The first full day for kindergartners is Tuesday, September 1. Kindergarten students and their families are invited to one-hour orientation session on Monday, August 31 and will receive more information via email to sign-up. Please be reminded that all Kindergarten forms are due by Monday, August 31. Please visit easdpa.org/kindergarten for more information.
Launched last school year, full-day kindergarten has received enthusiastic support from both families and educators. "Our child is thriving in this atmosphere," shared Nate and Jen Sayre. "Having additional time to spend with teachers and communicate with peers has certainly helped our child develop both academically as well as socially." Teachers are seeing the benefits too. "Full-day kindergarten has given students the time and space they need to begin growing," said Christa Pearson, EASD Kindergarten Teacher. "With a full day together, I can build experiences that spark curiosity and confidence."
CONSTRUCTION UPDATE
HVAC improvement projects at Fulton and Highland Elementary Schools will provide more efficient, reliable systems while creating future cost savings for the district. At Fulton, the project focused specifically on HVAC upgrades, while Highland underwent a much more extensive renovation that thoughtfully balances modernization with preservation as the historic building approaches its 100th anniversary. In addition to new HVAC systems and structural reinforcement, improvements at Highland include restored and preserved brickwork, classroom cabinet refacing, enhanced lighting, and architectural updates to the lobby that complement the character of the building while improving its safety and longevity. District leaders are excited for students to return and experience noticeable improvements and are grateful to our maintenance and custodial teams, as well as the staff in both buildings, for their hard work, flexibility, and patience throughout the projects.
CONFERENCES & 2026-2027 DISTRICT CALENDAR
In addition to fall conferences being held in November prior to Thanksgiving Break, spring conferences - which were introduced last school year and well-received by families - will be offered again in March just before Easter Break. These opportunities, for families with students in kindergarten through 8th grade, provide an additional means to strengthen communication among teachers, parents/guardians, and students. Scheduling instructions will be emailed to families of K-8 students several weeks before both fall and spring conference dates. For specific conference dates, early dismissals, holiday breaks, and more, view the entire 2026-2027 district calendar at visit www.easdpa.org/calendar.
SCHOOL MEALS
Breakfast is free for all students. Lunch prices are listed below:
Elementary - $2.70
EIMS - $2.90
EHS - $3.25
Breakfast remains free for students, and lunch prices are also the same as last year. Applications are currently being accepted for free and reduced meals for families who qualify. Please visit SchoolCafe.com to apply or visit the Food & Nutrition Services page of the District website for more information.
ELEMENTARY BEFORE & AFTER SCHOOL CHILDCARE
Tomorrow’s World Early Learning Center will provide before- and after-school childcare at Clay and Highland elementary schools. Care will be available from 6:40–8:45 AM and 3:30–5:30 PM for children in kindergarten through 4th grade. Designed to support working parents and guardians outside of regular school hours, the program offers children a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment. Children will enjoy a variety of engaging activities, including games, arts and crafts, and other fun activities, with homework help available as needed. Please contact Tomorrow’s World directly for pricing, availability, and additional questions at 717-279-3943, twelc2@gmail.com.
INTERNSHIPS & CO-OPS
The EHS Internship & Co-Op Program pairs juniors and seniors who wish to participate in a career-related learning experience with area businesses allowing students to learn and apply skills authentically in a real-world setting. For more information or to offer an internship or co-op experience for EHS students, please contact Aaron Campbell at aaron_campbell@easdpa.org.
CLASS & TRANSPORTATION SCHEDULES
Beginning Thursday, August 13, at 10:00 AM, the following information will be available in the PowerSchool Parent Portal:
Teacher assignments
Student schedules
Transportation information, including bus stops*
*Please note that transportation schedules and bus stop assignments may fluctuate as routes are finalized. We encourage families to check the Portal regularly leading up to the start of school to stay informed of any updates.
Important: Bus stop information is available only on the PowerSchool website and is not available in the PowerSchool mobile app.
The PowerSchool Parent Portal is your central hub for students’ academic progress, grades, attendance, student schedules, lunch balances, bus stop information (website only; not available in the mobile app). Access the Portal at powerschool.easdpa.org/public or download the mobile app using code: MNKH.
If assistance is needed with accessing the Parent Portal, please contact your school administrative assistant or our technology department at 717-721-1463.
Thank you for your partnership as we prepare for a successful start to the 2026-2027 school year. We look forward to welcoming students back on Monday, August 31.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
CLICK HERE to access a variety of helpful resources, including the 2026-2027 school calendar, volunteer information, AND MUCH MORE!