Hello to all families of incoming 8th graders for the 2026–2027 school year!
I’ve been getting quite a few questions about summer math work, so I wanted to share an update early. There will NOT be a summer math packet for students entering 8th grade.
Instead of assigning worksheets, I’d much rather encourage students to stay mentally active in simple, meaningful ways throughout the summer. Just 10–15 minutes a day of practicing basic skills can make a huge difference when school starts again!
One of the best things students can practice is:
• Multiplication facts
• Adding and subtracting positive and negative numbers
When these skills become automatic, students are able to focus more on problem-solving and higher-level math concepts during the school year.
Here are two easy games families can play together to keep math skills sharp:
🎲 Race to Zero
Roll dice or flip two cards and assign positive/negative values. Players decide whether to add or subtract their product to get as close to zero as possible. This is a fun way to build understanding of integers and absolute value.
🃏 Integer War
Use a deck of cards (remove face cards and keep Aces as 1). Red cards are negative numbers, and black cards are positive numbers. Players flip two cards and either add, subtract, or multiply them. The first person to correctly solve the problem wins the round!
And lastly… READ!
Yes — even the math teacher is encouraging reading! Strong reading skills help students tremendously in math, especially with word problems. Reading just 15–20 minutes a day can expose students to thousands of new vocabulary words each year and greatly improve comprehension skills.
Thank you for your support and enjoy your summer! We are looking forward to a great year ahead with your students.
I’ve been getting quite a few questions about summer math work, so I wanted to share an update early. There will NOT be a summer math packet for students entering 8th grade.
Instead of assigning worksheets, I’d much rather encourage students to stay mentally active in simple, meaningful ways throughout the summer. Just 10–15 minutes a day of practicing basic skills can make a huge difference when school starts again!
One of the best things students can practice is:
• Multiplication facts
• Adding and subtracting positive and negative numbers
When these skills become automatic, students are able to focus more on problem-solving and higher-level math concepts during the school year.
Here are two easy games families can play together to keep math skills sharp:
🎲 Race to Zero
Roll dice or flip two cards and assign positive/negative values. Players decide whether to add or subtract their product to get as close to zero as possible. This is a fun way to build understanding of integers and absolute value.
🃏 Integer War
Use a deck of cards (remove face cards and keep Aces as 1). Red cards are negative numbers, and black cards are positive numbers. Players flip two cards and either add, subtract, or multiply them. The first person to correctly solve the problem wins the round!
And lastly… READ!
Yes — even the math teacher is encouraging reading! Strong reading skills help students tremendously in math, especially with word problems. Reading just 15–20 minutes a day can expose students to thousands of new vocabulary words each year and greatly improve comprehension skills.
Thank you for your support and enjoy your summer! We are looking forward to a great year ahead with your students.
📘✨ The wait is over… the 2026 Blue & Gold Yearbook has officially arrived! ✨📘
All pre-ordered yearbooks are now ready for pick-up! If your student hasn’t received theirs yet, have them stop by Room 227 to see Mrs. Hale.
Students who attend vo-tech or SHAHS virtually can pick up their yearbooks in the High School Office.
Didn’t pre-order? Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered! A limited number of extra copies are available.
📅 Anyone interested in purchasing an extra copy must do so prior to May 28th.
📍 Yearbook purchases made after May 22nd can be picked up in the High School Office.
🎉 Another year of memories, milestones, and Hurricane pride—captured forever in the 2026 Blue & Gold Yearbook! Don’t miss your chance to grab a copy!
All pre-ordered yearbooks are now ready for pick-up! If your student hasn’t received theirs yet, have them stop by Room 227 to see Mrs. Hale.
Students who attend vo-tech or SHAHS virtually can pick up their yearbooks in the High School Office.
Didn’t pre-order? Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered! A limited number of extra copies are available.
📅 Anyone interested in purchasing an extra copy must do so prior to May 28th.
📍 Yearbook purchases made after May 22nd can be picked up in the High School Office.
🎉 Another year of memories, milestones, and Hurricane pride—captured forever in the 2026 Blue & Gold Yearbook! Don’t miss your chance to grab a copy!
❤️🔬 Getting to the heart of learning!
Mrs. Stauffer’s Anatomy & Physiology students rolled up their sleeves and dove right into their cardiovascular unit with hands-on sheep heart dissections. From chambers to valves, these future healthcare professionals explored what really makes the heart work—one beat at a time.
Learning looks a little different in this classroom… and it’s by design! 🫀
Mrs. Stauffer’s Anatomy & Physiology students rolled up their sleeves and dove right into their cardiovascular unit with hands-on sheep heart dissections. From chambers to valves, these future healthcare professionals explored what really makes the heart work—one beat at a time.
Learning looks a little different in this classroom… and it’s by design! 🫀
🎨✨ Celebrating Student Creativity on a National Stage! ✨🎨
Each spring, the Congressional Institute hosts the nationwide Artistic Discovery Competition, recognizing and encouraging the incredible artistic talent found in high schools across the country. Since its start in 1982, more than 650,000 students have participated, with winning pieces earning the honor of being displayed in the U.S. Capitol for an entire year—an amazing achievement!
We are proud to share that Hope Stauffer, Arianna Yule, and Jake Craft each have artwork accepted into this year’s show—an outstanding accomplishment and a testament to their creativity and hard work. 👏
We look forward to continuing our tradition of strong representation in this prestigious competition, and we invite our community to come out and support these talented students.
🖼️ Opening Reception
📅 Tomorrow, April 28
⏰ 5:00–7:00 PM
📍 Yuengling Mansion, Pottsville
Come celebrate the arts and help us cheer on these incredible students! 💙💛
Each spring, the Congressional Institute hosts the nationwide Artistic Discovery Competition, recognizing and encouraging the incredible artistic talent found in high schools across the country. Since its start in 1982, more than 650,000 students have participated, with winning pieces earning the honor of being displayed in the U.S. Capitol for an entire year—an amazing achievement!
We are proud to share that Hope Stauffer, Arianna Yule, and Jake Craft each have artwork accepted into this year’s show—an outstanding accomplishment and a testament to their creativity and hard work. 👏
We look forward to continuing our tradition of strong representation in this prestigious competition, and we invite our community to come out and support these talented students.
🖼️ Opening Reception
📅 Tomorrow, April 28
⏰ 5:00–7:00 PM
📍 Yuengling Mansion, Pottsville
Come celebrate the arts and help us cheer on these incredible students! 💙💛
🎶👏 A round of applause for the Schuylkill Haven Area School District! 👏🎶
We are proud to be recognized as a #BestCommunitiesforMusicEducation by @nammfoundation! This prestigious honor is a true reflection of the passion, dedication, and talent of our students, along with the unwavering support of our educators, administrators, and community.
A special shoutout to our incredible music educators—Ms. Biggs, Mrs. Capella, and Mrs. Houtz—for inspiring our students and helping make this achievement possible. 💙💛
From the first note to the final performance, music continues to play a vital role in shaping the Hurricane experience—and this recognition hits all the right notes. 🎼
On Wednesday, students in Mr. Bates’s World Tensions and Economics classes visited the Leesport Farmer’s and Flea Market, where they met up with a retired Schuylkill Haven Economics teacher, Mrs. Ulsh. This annual trip is a chance for students to learn how to research the value of the item(s) they are interested in and barter for a good deal. Students came home with all kinds of items from the flea market, from sports memorabilia to fabric bolts to model car collectibles. Many merchants at the flea market made a point of telling us how much they enjoyed meeting our respectful students who showed such an interest in collectibles, recycled/up-cycled goods, and bargain hunting.
🎯 Take your shot… you might just hit the bullseye!
Schuylkill Haven students in grades 4–11 — curious about archery club? Now’s your chance to see what it’s all about!
Join our coaches and current student archers for an Archery Open House where you can:
🏹 Check out the equipment
🏹 Learn the basics
🏹 Step up and take a shot yourself
📍 Schuylkill Haven Elementary Center Multipurpose Room
📅 Thursday, May 14th
⏰ 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Who knows… you could be the next top archer representing Haven at winter tournaments next season!
Schuylkill Haven students in grades 4–11 — curious about archery club? Now’s your chance to see what it’s all about!
Join our coaches and current student archers for an Archery Open House where you can:
🏹 Check out the equipment
🏹 Learn the basics
🏹 Step up and take a shot yourself
📍 Schuylkill Haven Elementary Center Multipurpose Room
📅 Thursday, May 14th
⏰ 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Who knows… you could be the next top archer representing Haven at winter tournaments next season!
Schuylkill Haven Area Middle School and High School band members recently participated in the 2026 Junior Schuylkill County Band, hosted by Minersville Area High School. This prestigious event brought together talented 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students from across the county, each selected to represent their school district. Rehearsals were held Tuesday, April 14, Thursday, April 16, Friday, April 17 and culminated in a concert performed on Saturday, April 18th.
Under the direction of guest conductor Dr. Laura Kramer, students worked hard and delivered a terrific concert performance.
We extend our sincere appreciation to Minersville Area High School and director Emily Wetzel for providing such a wonderful and enriching musical experience for our students.
Representing Schuylkill Haven Area Middle School were: Colton Ellex, Jade Fisher, Owen Frank, Liam Gross, Ayla Marx, Ashley Snyder and Mackenzie Walker.
High School participants included: Adrianna Grubel and Aubrey Oswald.
Congratulations to all for their dedication and outstanding representation of our school district! 🎶
Under the direction of guest conductor Dr. Laura Kramer, students worked hard and delivered a terrific concert performance.
We extend our sincere appreciation to Minersville Area High School and director Emily Wetzel for providing such a wonderful and enriching musical experience for our students.
Representing Schuylkill Haven Area Middle School were: Colton Ellex, Jade Fisher, Owen Frank, Liam Gross, Ayla Marx, Ashley Snyder and Mackenzie Walker.
High School participants included: Adrianna Grubel and Aubrey Oswald.
Congratulations to all for their dedication and outstanding representation of our school district! 🎶
Oops… they did it again! 🩸🔬
Our Anatomy & Physiology students turned a Friday half day into a hands-on learning experience—this time inviting their parents in to roll up their sleeves and practice blood typing together!
Who says learning stops at the classroom door? Around here, we make science a family affair. ❤️
Our Anatomy & Physiology students turned a Friday half day into a hands-on learning experience—this time inviting their parents in to roll up their sleeves and practice blood typing together!
Who says learning stops at the classroom door? Around here, we make science a family affair. ❤️
On Tuesday, April 14, the Schuylkill Haven High School Math Team competed in the Elizabethtown College Math Competition. Representing the Hurricanes were seniors Matt Angelo, Blake Rossi, Ariyanna Wright, and Jake Craft. The competition included 72 students from 17 different school districts, making it a highly competitive academic event.
Ari answered 26 out of 30 questions correctly, earning an impressive 4th place overall finish. Matt finished 14th, while Blake and Jake both earned strong performances tying for 2oth place in the competition.
These seniors have been outstanding members of the Schuylkill Haven Math Team throughout their high school careers. Overall, the past four years, they have helped lead the team to first-, second-, and third-place finishes in team competitions, demonstrating dedication, perseverance, and a passion for mathematics.
We congratulate Matt, Blake, Ari, and Jake on their accomplishments and thank them for their leadership and commitment to the Math Team. Their hard work and success have made a lasting impact on the program, and we wish them the very best in their future endeavors.
Ari answered 26 out of 30 questions correctly, earning an impressive 4th place overall finish. Matt finished 14th, while Blake and Jake both earned strong performances tying for 2oth place in the competition.
These seniors have been outstanding members of the Schuylkill Haven Math Team throughout their high school careers. Overall, the past four years, they have helped lead the team to first-, second-, and third-place finishes in team competitions, demonstrating dedication, perseverance, and a passion for mathematics.
We congratulate Matt, Blake, Ari, and Jake on their accomplishments and thank them for their leadership and commitment to the Math Team. Their hard work and success have made a lasting impact on the program, and we wish them the very best in their future endeavors.
Stepping into the future, one conversation at a time. 💼✨
Yesterday, SHAHS students took a trip to the NEPA Career Fair at Martz Hall, where they connected with a wide range of employers and discovered exciting volunteer opportunities. From exploring potential career paths to making meaningful connections, our students made the most of every moment.
Opportunities don’t just happen—they’re explored. And our students are already on their way. 👏
Yesterday, SHAHS students took a trip to the NEPA Career Fair at Martz Hall, where they connected with a wide range of employers and discovered exciting volunteer opportunities. From exploring potential career paths to making meaningful connections, our students made the most of every moment.
Opportunities don’t just happen—they’re explored. And our students are already on their way. 👏
Our high school students had an incredible opportunity to learn firsthand about careers in medicine during a recent mentor session with Mandy Hendricks!
Mandy shared her journey into the field of Oncology, offering insight into her education, experiences, and the dedication it takes to work in such a meaningful and impactful profession. Students asked thoughtful questions and gained a deeper understanding of both the challenges and rewards of a career in healthcare.
A big thank you to Mandy for inspiring the next generation!
Mandy shared her journey into the field of Oncology, offering insight into her education, experiences, and the dedication it takes to work in such a meaningful and impactful profession. Students asked thoughtful questions and gained a deeper understanding of both the challenges and rewards of a career in healthcare.
A big thank you to Mandy for inspiring the next generation!
The Schuylkill Haven Area Middle School ACHIEVE Program recently experienced an incredible outpouring of kindness through our “Hearts Around the World” challenge!
After sharing a request on our Facebook and Instagram pages for Valentine’s cards, we were amazed by the response. Our students received heartfelt messages and thoughtful gifts from participants across 21 states and 5 continents. Each delivery brought excitement, curiosity, and plenty of smiles!
As the cards arrived, students actively tracked each location on a map of the United States and began adding countries from around the world. This hands-on activity not only built geography skills, but also created a powerful visual of just how far love and kindness can travel.
Through this experience, our students saw firsthand that simple acts of kindness can connect people across cities, states, and even continents. The “Hearts Around the World” challenge became more than just a project—it was a meaningful reminder of the goodness that exists in our world.
We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to everyone who took the time to send a card, gift, or message. Your kindness made a lasting impact on our students and helped spread joy! Thank you for being part of this special experience! 💕
After sharing a request on our Facebook and Instagram pages for Valentine’s cards, we were amazed by the response. Our students received heartfelt messages and thoughtful gifts from participants across 21 states and 5 continents. Each delivery brought excitement, curiosity, and plenty of smiles!
As the cards arrived, students actively tracked each location on a map of the United States and began adding countries from around the world. This hands-on activity not only built geography skills, but also created a powerful visual of just how far love and kindness can travel.
Through this experience, our students saw firsthand that simple acts of kindness can connect people across cities, states, and even continents. The “Hearts Around the World” challenge became more than just a project—it was a meaningful reminder of the goodness that exists in our world.
We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to everyone who took the time to send a card, gift, or message. Your kindness made a lasting impact on our students and helped spread joy! Thank you for being part of this special experience! 💕
🎤✨ Here we go again… it’s Mamma Mia! week at SHAHS! ✨🎤
Get ready to say “Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!” more time at our spring musical featuring TWO incredible casts bringing the magic of ABBA to life! 💃🕺
🌟 Show Schedule (All shows will be in the Zwerling Auditorium):
🎶 Wednesday, April 15 – 6:00 PM
Senior Citizen Show (for SHASD senior residents)
🎶 Thursday, April 16 – 7:00 PM
Opening Night – Dancing Queen Cast
🎶 Friday, April 17 – 7:00 PM
Super Trooper Cast
🎶 Saturday, April 18 – 7:00 PM
Dancing Queen Cast
🎶 Sunday, April 19 – 3:00 PM
Super Trooper Cast
Grab your friends, bring your dancing shoes, and get ready for a night you won’t forget—full of energy, laughter, and iconic hits! 💙💛
Don’t miss your chance to experience the laughs, love, and unforgettable hits of Mamma Mia! 💙💛
https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/zwerlingaudshahs/shasd-high-school-musical-2026-mamma-mia?fbclid=IwY2xjawRLB5dleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETF6RkYyb0xqbkRKQ283dk5Yc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHsLkm3OjaiPaaKnfg_FXLLZ4bw5Z58niCw-m4J_cOG_CMJ_tnJnymNNC-9-u_aem_rie6XAKmL4MgtsUz0zvlvw
Some of our incredible High School Aevidum members took positivity beyond the classroom today and into our community 💙
In preparation for Mental Health Awareness Month this May, students spent time painting uplifting messages and designs on the windows at Tanya Goodman Counseling Services—using creativity to remind others that they are seen, supported, and never alone.
It’s a small act with a powerful impact, and a great example of what Aevidum is all about: “I’ve got your back.”
Be sure to check out their work if you’re in town—and take a moment to smile, reflect, and spread a little kindness of your own.
In preparation for Mental Health Awareness Month this May, students spent time painting uplifting messages and designs on the windows at Tanya Goodman Counseling Services—using creativity to remind others that they are seen, supported, and never alone.
It’s a small act with a powerful impact, and a great example of what Aevidum is all about: “I’ve got your back.”
Be sure to check out their work if you’re in town—and take a moment to smile, reflect, and spread a little kindness of your own.
🪨🗒️✂️ Championship news from SHAHS!
After a fierce (and surprisingly intense) showdown of luck and 8th grader Noah Runkle has been crowned the grand champion of the first-ever Rock–Paper–Scissors Tournament hosted by the SHAHS National Honor Society.
His victory comes with some highly coveted prizes: a full week at the front of the lunch line (yes, first in victory= first in line ), and a week enjoying Dr. Fitzpatrick’s famously comfortable office chair—now officially “on loan to greatness.”
Beyond the bragging rights and bracket domination, this event helped raise funds to offset the National Honor Society’s annual national dues. Thank you to all students and staff who participated, cheered, and dramatically overthought their final throws.
Based on the overwhelming enthusiasm (and competitive hand positioning being practiced in hallways), we’re excited to make this an annual tradition.
Start practicing now… because next year, that rolling office chair could be making its way down the halls again—and it might not come back empty. 👀
Anticipated Hiring: Administrative Assistant – Payroll, Benefits & Human Resources
The Schuylkill Haven Area School District is seeking a detail-oriented and highly organized individual to support payroll processing, employee benefits, and human resources functions within the business office. Candidates should demonstrate strong confidentiality, accuracy, and communication skills. Accepting applications until Tuesday, April 7, 2026.
👉 View the full job description: Administrativehttps://files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/2767/Shasd/fefb5e3a-498f-4cdd-bcdc-b55d80876b41/Payroll-Benefits-HR-Job-description.pdf?disposition=inline Assistant - Payroll/Benefits/HR
Send Application Information to Jane Gordon (gordonj@shasd.org) or apply in writing:
Dr. Shawn T. Fitzpatrick
Superintendent of Schools
501 East Main Street
Schuylkill Haven, PA 17972
The Schuylkill Haven Area School District is seeking a detail-oriented and highly organized individual to support payroll processing, employee benefits, and human resources functions within the business office. Candidates should demonstrate strong confidentiality, accuracy, and communication skills. Accepting applications until Tuesday, April 7, 2026.
👉 View the full job description: Administrativehttps://files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/2767/Shasd/fefb5e3a-498f-4cdd-bcdc-b55d80876b41/Payroll-Benefits-HR-Job-description.pdf?disposition=inline Assistant - Payroll/Benefits/HR
Send Application Information to Jane Gordon (gordonj@shasd.org) or apply in writing:
Dr. Shawn T. Fitzpatrick
Superintendent of Schools
501 East Main Street
Schuylkill Haven, PA 17972
🌷🐰 Spring Break is Almost Here, Hurricanes! 🐰🌷
We’re hopping into a well-deserved break! Please take note of our upcoming schedule:
📅 Thursday, April 2 – Early Dismissal
❌ Friday, April 3 – No School
❌ Monday, April 6 – No School
Whether you're hunting for Easter eggs, spending time with family, or just enjoying a little extra rest, we hope our students and staff have a safe, relaxing, and egg-stra special break! 💙💛
We’ll see everyone back, refreshed and ready to learn, on Tuesday, April 7th! 🌼
We’re hopping into a well-deserved break! Please take note of our upcoming schedule:
📅 Thursday, April 2 – Early Dismissal
❌ Friday, April 3 – No School
❌ Monday, April 6 – No School
Whether you're hunting for Easter eggs, spending time with family, or just enjoying a little extra rest, we hope our students and staff have a safe, relaxing, and egg-stra special break! 💙💛
We’ll see everyone back, refreshed and ready to learn, on Tuesday, April 7th! 🌼
🎤✨ Here we go again, Schuylkill Haven! ✨🎤
Not an online ticket buyer? No worries—we’ve got you covered! 🎟️
Join us in the lobby of the Zwerling Auditorium to grab your tickets for Mamma Mia! in person:
📅 March 30 & 31 | ⏰ 6:00–8:00 PM
📅 April 1 | ⏰ 3:00–5:00 PM
🎟️ Tickets are just $12
💵 Cash or check only (checks payable to Schuylkill Haven HS Musical)
Don’t miss your chance to see this high-energy, feel-good show that will have you singing and dancing in your seat all night long! 💃🕺
Skip the online hassle and stop by—we can’t wait to see you there! 💙
Not an online ticket buyer? No worries—we’ve got you covered! 🎟️
Join us in the lobby of the Zwerling Auditorium to grab your tickets for Mamma Mia! in person:
📅 March 30 & 31 | ⏰ 6:00–8:00 PM
📅 April 1 | ⏰ 3:00–5:00 PM
🎟️ Tickets are just $12
💵 Cash or check only (checks payable to Schuylkill Haven HS Musical)
Don’t miss your chance to see this high-energy, feel-good show that will have you singing and dancing in your seat all night long! 💃🕺
Skip the online hassle and stop by—we can’t wait to see you there! 💙
🎟️✨ IT’S BASKET RAFFLE DAY, HURRICANE NATION! ✨🎟️
Today’s the day! Come out and join the fun at the Basket Raffle! 🧺🎁
📍 Doors open at 10:00 AM
🎟️ Ticket drawings begin around 4:00 PM
Grab your tickets, check out all the amazing baskets, and enjoy a great day filled with excitement and community spirit! 🍀💙💛
Good luck to everyone—and we’ll see you soon! 🙌
Today’s the day! Come out and join the fun at the Basket Raffle! 🧺🎁
📍 Doors open at 10:00 AM
🎟️ Ticket drawings begin around 4:00 PM
Grab your tickets, check out all the amazing baskets, and enjoy a great day filled with excitement and community spirit! 🍀💙💛
Good luck to everyone—and we’ll see you soon! 🙌
