September 26, 2023

Subject: Intramural Swimming

Dear PFE 4th Grade Families,

As we begin to prepare for our swimming intramurals, we wanted to make sure that you are aware that there is a cap of 50 students who may attend the swimming intramural this year. The International Building Code mandates this number. As a result, we have decided to limit this intramural activity to 4th-grade students only. Since 5th-grade students have their own special activity, the intramural volleyball tournament, we also wanted to provide something special for 4th-grade students.

While we work hard to ensure ample opportunities for everyone, the size of our school sometimes limits our ability to do so. Please be aware that this decision is not arbitrary and is handled per school in conjunction with the SCASD athletic office. As a result, other schools have made different choices about who will attend, specifically centered on their school size, number of students interested, etc. 

4th-grade families, please be on the lookout for the swimming intramural permission slip very soon. We will hold a lottery to ensure fairness in deciding who can attend. Permission slips will be due by Friday, September 15th. As we receive permission slips, they will be marked with a number that denotes the number in the order the permission slip was received. Those numbers will be entered into an online picker wheel. The fifty numbers that are drawn will be the numbers of those who will attend the swimming intramural.

If you have questions about swimming, please contact Lisa Vonada and/or Jen Cody. Thank you so much! We look forward to this intramural opportunity for the 4th-grade students.

All the best,

Jen Cody & Lisa Vonada

September 22, 2023

Subject: Parent Correspondence

Hello PFE Families,

It’s been a wonderful week at PFE!

Here are some updates to share with you:

We had a kickoff assembly to celebrate STAR behavior!  Ask your child to share what STAR stands for at PFE and if they can share an example they’ve seen in a classmate!
4th and 5th grade students should have brought home PSSA score reports in their backpacks.  Please reach out with any questions.

On Wednesday, Sept. 27, students will learn about the upcoming solar eclipse and how to view it safely.  They will also be receiving glasses to be used for viewing through the generosity of a connection with PSU. Please review the attachment for more information.

Patton Township’s Safety Fair is coming up on September 30.  Please review the attachment for more information.

In the next week, we will conduct our first severe weather drill.  Please remind your students that drills are intended to prepare, not scare.

Information about the PTO Penguin Shuffle will be coming home soon.  This will be held on Friday, October 20.

There is no school on Monday, September 25!  Enjoy the long weekend!

Please remember to check our school website or FaceBook page for additional information.

Sincerely,
Jess Quinter, PFE Principal 

September 20, 2023

Subject:  PTO Meeting

Hey PFE Families, Teachers, and Staff,

Hope you're all adjusting well to the new school year! We're thrilled to invite you to our first PTO meeting of the year happening this Thursday, September 21st at 7pm via Zoom. Here's the scoop:

 Date: Thursday, September 21st
 Time: 7:00 PM
 Where: Zoom (Get the link below)

PFE PTO Zoom LINK

September 14, 2023

Subject: SC Football Kindergarten Night

Subject: SC Football Kindergarten Night Final Reminder

Dear Kindergarten Families:

Tomorrow at noon is the deadline to get tickets for our special SC Football Kindergarten Night. I have to tell you, if you are unsure about attending, please come. It’s a wonderful evening that has grown significantly over the last few years because the kindergarteners truly do have a great time. Our previous email below explains how to purchase tickets. Don’t forget to have the students wear their Class of 2036 t-shirts!

Now, for those families including their kindergartener in the pregame activities, we will outline the details below. If you are not participating in this part, you can disregard the rest of the email. 

The pregame activities are completely optional. It's fine to just come at game time and watch. 

Drop your child off at Gate E at 6 p.m. sharp. The timeline of pregame activities is very tight so it’s important that you are on time. 

Along that line, allow ample time for parking. 

You will sign your child in at a table and we will put a sticker on them indicating that they are part of the festivities and which school they attend. 

Your child will then be grouped with your principal and/or kindergarten teachers by school. 

At 6:15 the groups will be moved closer to the field and at approximately 6:30 they will walk onto the field.

They will be introduced by school and then all run across the field where they will regroup by school.

They will walk up the ramp and into the Sidney Friedman Parklet where you can pick them up.

Important: You must sign your child back out when you pick them up. Please do not take your child without signing them out.

Then, enter Gate G. Note: Gate G is the only gate where re-entry will be allowed. 

As we said before, If your child needs individual accommodations for any of the activities listed or you have other questions, please contact Loren Crispell at lnc12@scasd.org or 814-231-1143.

September 12, 2023

Subject: SC Football Kindergarten Night Information Session

Dear Kindergarten Families:

We have received some questions regarding our communication last week about State High football kindergarten night. Therefore, we are going to have a Zoom Q&A session tomorrow, Tuesday, Sept. 12 at 5:15 p.m. We invite you to attend if you have any questions or need assistance clarifying the details.

When it comes to the pregame activities on the field, those are completely optional. While we would love for all the students to participate, it’s fine to just come at gametime and watch. For those families with kindergarteners doing the on-field pregame events, after you drop your child off at Gate E at 6 p.m., you can watch the events from two different places. First, through the fence in the Sidney Friedman Parklet where we will be reuniting with your child. Second, you can enter Gate G as described below and watch from the seats where you will be sitting during the game. After the run you can go pick up your child in the parklet and then re-enter Gate G. Note: Gate G is the only gate where re-entry will be allowed. 

As we said before, If your child needs individual accommodations for any of the activities listed or you have other questions, please contact Loren Crispell at lnc12@scasd.org or 814-231-1143 prior to noon on Sept. 14.

September 8, 2023

Subject: Weekly Principal Communication to Familes

Hello PFE Families,

It was wonderful to see so many of you at our Back to School Night!  If you weren’t able to make it, we will look forward to seeing you at another event soon.

A few additional updates to share:
Please view this presentation to meet some members of our PFE community who help support students every day.
Thank you for helping to keep our students safe as they arrive and leave the school building.  If you are in a parent pick up or drop off line, please stay in the line until the vehicle ahead of you moves.  Swerving out of the line creates safety issues during these times.
Attached is the parent letter regarding MAP testing, which will start next week.  For the fall testing window, this is relevant for grades 2-5 only.
Also attached is information about the YMCA backpack program.  This is an optional program that supports families who may need assistance with food availability for the weekend.  A printed copy came home with picture day order forms.  If you need another printed copy, please contact Karen Martin or Karen Starinchak in the elementary office.

Thank you for your ongoing support and partnership!
Sincerely,
Jess Quinter, PFE Principal

September 7, 2023

Subject: Back to School Night

Dear PFE Families,

We hope to see you this evening at Back to School Night!  Our front doors will open at 6:00 PM and will remain open until the end of the event at 7:00 PM.  You may arrive and leave at any point during this hour.

A few reminders as you visit our building:

Show STAR behavior!  There will be a lot of people visiting our school.  Please practice STAR expectations while you are in classrooms, hallways, and other school spaces.

Please be respectful of classrooms and materials (such as technology, instruments, or bins of books) unless the teacher has given permission for them to be used.

All snacks should be eaten in the gym or taken home to enjoy.  Consider making this your last stop of the evening.

An announcement will be made when our Back to School evening is coming to a close.

Due to the chance of rain, the s’mores event will not be taking place as scheduled.  The PTO was excited for s'mores but mother nature had other plans and we are pivoting to fresh popped popcorn with topping in the gym. While enjoying popcorn, please come visit the PTO table to purchase a limited supply of spiritwear and ask any questions. 

Please see the attachment from the PTO for more information.

We look forward to welcoming our Penguin Community to our building this evening!

Sincerely,

Jess Quinter, PFE Principal

September 6, 2023

Subject: PFE Intramural Swimming

Dear PFE 4th Grade Families,

As we begin to prepare for our swimming intramurals, we wanted to make sure that you are aware that there is a cap of 50 students who may attend the swimming intramural this year. The International Building Code mandates this number. As a result, we have decided to limit this intramural activity to 4th-grade students only. Since 5th-grade students have their own special activity, the intramural volleyball tournament, we also wanted to provide something special for 4th-grade students. 

While we work hard to ensure ample opportunities for everyone, the size of our school sometimes limits our ability to do so. Please be aware that this decision is not arbitrary and is handled per school in conjunction with the SCASD athletic office. As a result, other schools have made different choices about who will attend, specifically centered on their school size, number of students interested, etc. 

4th-grade families, please be on the lookout for the swimming intramural permission slip very soon. We will hold a lottery to ensure fairness in deciding who can attend. Permission slips will be due by Friday, September 15th. As we receive permission slips, they will be marked with a number that denotes the number in the order the permission slip was received. Those numbers will be entered into an online picker wheel. The fifty numbers that are drawn will be the numbers of those who will attend the swimming intramural.

If you have questions about swimming, please contact Lisa Vonada and/or Jen Cody. Thank you so much! We look forward to this intramural opportunity for the 4th-grade students.

All the best,

Jen Cody & Lisa Vonada
PFE Intramural Co-Coordinators

September 1, 2023

Subject: SC Football Kindergarten Night

Dear Kindergarten Families:

The State High football team cordially invites our kindergarten students, along with their families, to the game against Altoona on Friday, Sept. 15, at Memorial Field. While the game starts at 7 p.m., we have some special treats planned for these students so please plan on coming at 6 p.m. 

We wanted to let you know so you can mark the date on your calendars. More details including how to get tickets will be coming soon. We hope you are able to join us as this has become a wonderful tradition over the past few years. 

Have a great day!

Nabil Mark

Media and Communications Manager

September 1, 2023

Subject - PFE PTO

Hello PFE students, families, teachers, and staff,

I'm excited to introduce myself to you—I'm Rebecca Desmarais, and I've had the honor of serving as the PFE Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) President for three incredible years. As a mom to Hadleigh, a 6th grader, and Emerson, a 1st grader, I truly understand the importance of a supportive and vibrant school community. It's been an amazing journey, working together to create enriching experiences for all of our students, their families, as well as our dedicated teachers and staff.

Our PTO is dedicated to enhancing the school by fostering equity and creating enriching experiences within the PFE community.

What does the PTO at PFE do?

1. School Supplies: Ensuring every student has access to essential school supplies.

2. Community-Building: Strengthening the sense of unity and support within our school community with events and appreciation programs for teachers and staff.

3. Equal Opportunities: Providing funding for enriching field trips, ensuring every student can participate in valuable hands-on learning experiences.

4. Fundraising Events: Hosts the 'PFE Penguin Shuffle' fundraiser and the exciting 'Basket Raffle and Family Bingo Night'.

Join us in embracing another year of shared growth, teamwork, and accomplishments here at PFE!

Don't forget to check out our attached newsletter for more details, and be sure to mark your calendars for the upcoming S'mores Social at Back-to-School Night!

Kind Regards,
Rebecca Desmarais (she/her)
PTO President
Park Forest Elementary
pfepto.com
pfepto@gmail.com

August 30, 2023

Subject: Accompanying children at State High football games

Dear Parents and Guardians,

On Friday, Sept. 1, the State High varsity football team will open its season at home against Downingtown East in what looks to be an exciting matchup. 

This year, in a new protocol for home games, the District asks that adults accompany elementary and middle school students at the game. Please abide by this request and help us supervise our young fans so that they and everyone else can fully enjoy a Memorial Field “Friday Night Lights” experience.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Sincerely,

Jessica Quinter

Subject: Water Boil Advisory Lifted

Dear Parents and Guardians:

We are happy to report that the water boil advisory for Gray’s Woods Elementary, Park Forest Elementary and Park Forest Middle School has been lifted. We have now resumed all normal operations.

Thank you for your patience as we worked through this issue. 

Have a great day!

Nabil Mark

Media and Communications Manager

August 25, 2023

Hello PFE Families,

Thank you for an incredible first week of school!  It’s so fun to see smiling faces and activity in the building!

I wanted to share a few upcoming dates with you:

• Monday, September 4: No School

• Thursday, September 7: Back to School Night, 6:00-7:00

  • This is an opportunity to visit our school building and learn more about what happens each day!

  • The PTO will also be present that evening and will be serving s’mores behind the school.

• Friday, September 15: Kindergarten Night at Memorial Field (State High Football)

• Wednesday, September 20: School Picture Day!

• Thursday, September 21: PTO Meeting (via Zoom), 7:00 PM

• Monday, September 25: No School

I’ve also attached a letter regarding the safety drills we will conduct throughout the school year.  These are done in accordance with safety mandates and are intended to prepare, not scare, students and staff.  Please reach out with any questions.  We will conduct our first evacuation drills this week.

Sincerely,
Jess Quinter, PFE Principal

23-24 PFE Parent Letter Safety Drills.pdf 

August 23, 2023

Kindergarten Parent Meeting Recording

Dear Kindergarten Families,

We're excited for the first full day of kindergarten!  Here are the links from the meeting held on Tuesday afternoon.  Please reach out with any questions.

Meeting Recording - You may need to copy and paste the link in your web browser. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_o265rX8Yf7kmAXB3pVfBfS3uJKMj13x/view?usp=sharing

Chat Transcript

Thank you,

Jess Quinter

August 14, 2023

Kindergarten Correspondence 

Hello New Kindergarten Families,

The first day of school is coming soon!  I wanted to remind you of upcoming events at PFE.

Thursday, August 17: Meet the Teacher at PFE, 12:30-1:30 PM

This is an informal opportunity to walk around our school to visit classroom spaces.

Tuesday, August 22: First Day of School - adjusted schedule for kindergarten

Parents/family members bring students to school at your designated time and leave together at the end.  For example, if your last name begins with A-L, families will bring their kindergartner with them to the school at 9:00, stay with your child for the designated time, and leave with your child at 10:30.

Last names A-L: 9:00-10:30

Last names M-Z: 11:30-1:00

Virtual Parent Meeting: 1:30 

Link for meeting: https://meet.google.com/ybs-jmzo-qxu?hs=122&authuser=0

Wednesday, August 23: FULL Day of school for kindergarten students

Please reach out to me at jlq11@scasd.org with any questions.  I’m looking forward to seeing you all soon!

Warmly,

Jess Quinter

August 2, 2023

From Dr. Jessica Quinter, Principal, Park Forest Elementary

Hello New Kindergarten Families!

We are happy to welcome our newest PFE Penguins!  I wanted to reach out to introduce myself and share information for the start of the school year.  My name is Jess Quinter and I am the proud principal of Park Forest Elementary.  This will be my third year as principal at PFE.  Prior to coming to SCASD, I was a principal at Juniata Valley Elementary and also taught kindergarten, first grade, and reading.  Kindergarten is my favorite grade!

As shared in the correspondence from Danielle Yoder, kindergarten parents/guardians will be attending the first day of school on August 22 with their children.  If your last name begins with A-L, you will attend 9:00-10:30.  If your last name begins with M-Z, you will attend 11:30-1:00.  A virtual meeting for families will be held at 1:30.  Please click here to join or copy and paste this link into your browser:  https://meet.google.com/ybs-jmzo-qxu?hs=122&authuser=0.

Here is a link to an Introduction to Kindergarten at PFE presentation so you can start to get to know our amazing school community!  We do not yet have final names and hires for all of these positions yet, so you’ll see some question marks.  I’ll update this as more information is available.

Some of you have asked about coming to the building prior to the start of the school year for screening or assessments.  We will conduct these once the school year has begun.  Our kindergarten teachers and building interventionists will interact with all students throughout the first days of school and classroom assignments will be made by the end of the first week.

We will also be having a meet the teacher event on Thursday, August 17 from 12:30-1:30 if you’d like to see our building prior to the first day of school.

Please reach out to me at jlq11@scasd.org with any questions.  I’m looking forward to seeing you all soon!

Warmly,

Jess Quinter

July 31, 2023

From Danielle Yoder, Assistant Superintendent, K-5

Dear Kindergarten Families,

Welcome to State College Area School District! I am excited to welcome your Kindergarten student into our elementary schools.  At State College,  we pride ourselves on providing an open and welcoming environment for all and look forward to meeting you this August. 

This year, as a way to ensure consistency and support our families, we are going to hold Kindergarten Camp for you and your child at all eight elementary buildings on the first day of school, Tuesday, August 22, 2023.  All elementary schools will offer some type of social event before the start of the year where parents and students in Kindergarten can come visit their school and know where their classroom or classroom area will be.  

In early August, your building principal and Kindergarten team will be reaching out to you to share the Back to School Invitation and details about Kindergarten Orientation so that you can save the dates.  We are also working on a schedule where a school bus can be available for students to learn and understand the bus. We will send those dates in the near future as well.

Additionally, I realize that, for many of you, this is the first child you have entering our district, so I want to share some quick facts about our elementary schools that we are proud to share. 

Every school has:

• An average classroom student/teacher ratio of 20:1.
• Instructional assistants in all K-2 classrooms.
• A Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS)/math interventionist, reading specialist, gifted support, ESL teacher, and nurse.
• Special education support for students with an Individualized Education Program.
• A school counselor and a school psychologist.
• Librarians and comprehensive libraries that foster a love of reading.
• Instructional technology (1-to-1 Initiative, each student has a device for instruction).
• Daily recess for every student, with our K-2 students receiving additional opportunities.
• After-school extended learning opportunities until 5:30 p.m. 
• Daily special classes that include health and physical education, music, art, STEM, and library

If you have concerns or are interested in a personal tour or phone call with a principal, please email or call Heather Card at hvc11@scasd.org or 814-231-1042 and we’ll set something up at your convenience. Finally, please consider clicking on the provided link to learn more about educational opportunities at SCASD.