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The Explorer

 

Harrisburg Academy 2-color logoThe Harrisburg Metropolitan Area's only IB World School 

October 30, 2009

 

 

A Spook-tacular Week at Harrisburg Academy

 

From the 8th grade field trip to Gettysburg to the Varsity Boys' Soccer team qualifying for the second round of District playoffs, to the Quiz Bowl team pulling off an exciting win over Susquehanna High School, to the HATS' Halloween Boo Parade, we've had a great week of showcasing our best talents!  As you and your families enjoy the upcoming weekend, please keep safety in mind.


The Explorer e-Newsletter is your best resource for keeping up with news and notes affecting the Academy community.  Thank you for helping us to make the Explorer more useful by sending in your feedback. We appreciate your input!  We also encourage you to submit exciting news about your student and/or your family for us to share.  Please be in touch with us.

 

Please visit the Announcements and Events page of our website to learn about events coming up at school.  You can also view a complete listing, including longer-range events and dates, on the Calendar portion of our website.  Here is a list (with links to details, if applicable) of selected upcoming events:

 

CANCELLATIONS:  "Trifles" and the US Concert 

Due to scheduling conflicts and health considerations, Harrisburg Academy regrets having to postpone Student Studio Theater's production of "Trifles," originally slated for Friday, Oct. 30, for the spring.  More information will be announced when available.  Likewise, we also regret having to cancel the Harrisburg Academy US Concert Choir, Orchestra, and Band concert (originally scheduled for Nov. 3).  This concert will not be re-scheduled.  We look forward to seeing you at the Holiday concert on Thursday, Dec. 17!  Questions?  Please contact Tom Banks.

 

Bring a Friend - win "Academy Cash"!

When you accompany a prospective parent to the Fall Open House (Sunday November 8, 2009 from 2-4 p.m.) you will receive a Harrisburg Academy car magnet and a chance to win $200 Academy Cash. Academy Cash is good for the School Store, EDP or tuition for a current student, summer camp, and Academy art or music lessons.  You must be present at the drawing at 3:45 p.m. on November 8th to win. You will receive one entry for each prospective family you bring!  Prospective families should RSVP online or by phone (717-763-7811 x315).  Questions? Please contact Jessica Warren. 

 

Annual Food Drive - Nov. 2-9, 2009 

National Honors Society students AnnElizabeth K. '10 and Mackenzie S. '10 are coordinating this year's food drive and some fun and friendly competitions supporting it.  We will be donating the food to Project SHARE.  For full information about this initiative and competitions, click here.  For a list of requested donations, click here. Thank you for helping area families in need.  Questions?  Please contact Mrs. Eckman.

 

US Round Table Discussion - Healthy Decisions for Students 

Harrisburg Academy will host a Round Table discussion between US faculty and parents to discuss promoting healthy choices and discouraging risk-taking behaviors.  We believe that a strong partnership between the school and parents is the key to this success with our students.  To read the full letter, click here.  We hope you can join us!  Questions?  Please contact Virginia Leary Getz or Tom Banks.


The dates for the remaining conversations (in the Meeting Room) are:
Grade 11 parents:  Monday, Nov. 2 @ 6:30 p.m.
Grade 12 parents:  Thursday, Nov. 5 @ 6:30 p.m.

 

Breakfast with the Head of School and President of the Board of Trustees

Nov. 10 // 8:15 a.m. 

Join Jim Newman and Tom Schmidt on Tuesday, Nov. 10 for continental breakfast and a lively discussion about the school.  All parents are invited and can use the opportunity to meet others, discuss topics of their choice, and hear about the Academy's upcoming plans.  Attendees should park across the street in Radisson parking lot - after dropping off their children - in order to leave spaces in our parking lot for normal arrival procedures. Please R.S.V.P. to Debbie Potter by Monday, Nov. 9.

 

Winter Weather Procedures

With the month of October coming to a close, winter weather is not far behind it.  As a reminder, if Harrisburg Academy closes or delays school because of snow or another emergency, the announcement will be posted on our website and broadcast on most local radio and TV stations.  For more information and a full listing of media covering school cancellations, click here.  Additional information can be found on page 8 of the Handbook.  Questions?  Please contact Debbie Potter.

 

Student Dismissal Procedure

Students leaving the building when school is in session are reminded to follow proper dismissal procedures:  Early Childhood; Lower School; Middle School; Upper School. Following these procedures ensures the safety and well-being of all Harrisburg Academy students.  Questions?  Please contact your division head. 

 

Harrisburg Academy Ski Club - Sign Up Today! 

The Harrisburg Academy ski club is open for registration!  The purpose of ski club is to introduce skiing or snowboarding to any student having the desire to try the sports.  Ski club is open to students in 5th through 12th grade.  Click here for complete information.  Additional questions?  Please contact Tricia Britton.

 

Notes from the Nurse 

We were informed recently by the East Pennsboro Area School Area District (EPASD) that all Academy students, regardless of their place of residence, will be eligible for H1N1 flu vaccinations if provided to EPASD.  Details about where and when the vaccinations will be administered are not yet available from EPASD.  The vaccine may not arrive until later in November.  As soon as we learn more, we will inform you of the details.
 
H1N1 vaccine may be available from local health care providers local school districts.  Because we are unsure when EPASD will receive the vaccine, we encourage you to check other potential sources.  Because the H1N1 vaccine has been delivered to some providers in the area with little advance notice, call your provider, county health department, and local school district regularly for the most current information.

 

Please check our website for the most up-to-date information regarding H1N1 vaccinations and contact Ann Stillwater with any additional questions.

 

Harrisburg Academy Newsroom

The website continues to grow!  This week, we've added a special section under the Prospective Families section called "Living in the Midstate," especially for out-of-town families seeking to learn about life in the area.  To read this week's news and mentions, click on the links below! Questions? Please contact Kristina Burlew Pae.

 

"Becahi upends Eagles" (Boys' Soccer mention) - Pottsville Republican-Herald, Oct. 30

"Students graded globally in IB program" - Patriot-News, Oct. 30 

 

Winter Swimming & Soccer Opportunities

Be sure to check out the updated Community Happenings  page on the website for information about new community opportunities including swimming at the Jewish Community Center and City Islanders winter soccer clinics.  Have additional news to be added to the Community Happenings page of the website?  Please contact Kristina Burlew Pae.

 

Academy Athletics Update  

Congratulations to the Boys' Varsity Soccer Team for its Round 1 District tournament win (2-0) against Millersburg on Thursday!  The boys advance to play Camp Hill on Saturday at 5 p.m. at CD Middle School.  Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for students.  To follow the team through the playoffs, check out the District 3 bracket here.  Questions?  Contact Jeane Serino.

 

Parents Association Update

Looking for the next fun PA event?  It's Bingo Night on Nov. 21, 6-8 p.m. Click here for details and to R.S.V.P.  Also, look for your Sally Foster items to be delivered to your child's class room on Friday, Nov. 6.  Sally Foster Orders can still be placed online.


Have a suggestion and or/a question?  Drop it off in the PA Suggestions slot on the PA Bulletin Board. Don't forget to keep a eye on the website, too!  Questions?  Please contact Diane Mulcahy.

 

Congratulations to...

Harrisburg Academy Fall Sports athletes, for a great season and a strong post-season showing!  

 

 

To the many faculty, students, and their families who ran in and volunteered with the Pumpkin Chase charity run last Saturday.  The Pumpkin Chase is an event that raises money for five charities.

 

Beth F. '11 and Johnna T. '11 with the assistance of Josh G. '15 and Debbie O'Day who raised $219.00 for the American Cancer Society with their Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign.

 

Harrisburg Academy tennis trio, Ted O. '10, Andrew K. '10, and Doug C. '10 competed in the "Love Affair 2009" 21st Annual Pro-Am Tournament on Oct. 25 to raise funds for Cystic Fibrosis Research. Their three teams raised $7,100!

 

Steve and Jill Kusic, parents of Lauren '18, whose business, National Recovery Agency, was named to Central Penn Business Journal's "Top 50 Fastest Growing Companies 2009" list.

 

Thank you to...

Stephanie Otto, mother of Ted '10, Joyce Kantor mother of Andrew '10, and the other parents of seniors on the Boys' Varsity Soccer team for hosting a special luncheon for the boys prior to Thursday's District game against Millersburg. 

 

 

Early Childhood / Lower School Teacher Websites & Newsletters 

Parents of Early Childhood and Lower School children, now you can access all of your child's teacher mini-sites and newsletters from one easy-to-find place!  Please visit this page to access the convenient full list.

 

Did You Miss Last Week's Explorer? 

Please click here to read past editions of the Explorer to catch up on Academy news that you may have missed.  Please contact Kristina Burlew Pae in the Communications Office with any questions.