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Principal Information Page

Principal's Message
 
Welcome to McCullough Elementary School and thank you for visiting the site. McCullough is on of five elementary schools within the Penn-Trafford School District. We are a K-5 building of approximately 450 students. 
 
Please feel free to check this page as well as the entire website for information about the staff, students and school. If you have any questions do not hesitate to contact the office and we will do our best to assist you.
 
Mr. Marasti, Principal
 
 
 

Welcome back to the 2023-2024 school year!  Below are some reminders as we begin the year:

 

First Day

As a reminder the first day of school will be Thursday, August 24, 2023.

 

Dismissal and Arrival

  • The school day officially begins at 9:00 AM.
  • Students will be permitted to immediately go to his/her homeroom beginning at 8:45 AM.
  • Bus dismissal and student drop-off will be the same as previous years.

 

Water Bottles

  • Students may bring their own water bottles.
  • Refillable water stations have been installed and are available for student use.

 

New Student Orientation

New student orientation is scheduled for Thursday, August 17 at 9:00 AM. This orientation is for families that are new to McCullough or the school district this year. This does not include the incoming Kindergarten. The orientation will include a quick tour of the building as well. The guidance counselor should have reached out to you with more information regarding this orientation. 

 

Chromebooks and iPads

The Penn Trafford School District will continue to offer a “one to one” environment to enhance and aid in student learning opportunities. These devices are theirs to use both in school and at home. The district is asking that each parent/guardian and student review the PTSD Chromebook Handbook and Network Accessible Use Agreement. Each parent/guardian and student will be responsible for reading, understanding and signing these documents online. The District requires an annual technology fee of $30 per student that will be used for maintenance, accidental damage and other costs associated with each student having a device. To complete the user acknowledgements along with making a payment, we have a new process this year. The District is embedding this into your Powerschool account. You will be asked to log into your Powerschool account (Or create a new one if needed) and complete the technology agreement as well as update medical information for your child at the same time. Families will complete this process ASAP.

 

PowerSchool

Powerschool is how you will monitor your child’s grades and attendance for the school year as well update any medical or residential information, access the technology form and pay your technology fee. All families will need to register for an account prior to the start of the school year. You can also download the free app on a phone or iPad if you desire.

 

Open House

McCullough Elementary will hold their annual Open House on Tuesday, August 22 from 5:00 - 7:00 PM. During this time the students will be able to visit their classroom and meet their teacher(s). The teachers will have rolling presentations about the upcoming school year. 

 

Elementary Handbook

The PTSD Elementary Handbook has been updated for the 2023-2024 school year. Families will not be receiving a hard copy. It will be available digitally only. It can be found on the McCullough website under Student/Parent Resources.

 

FirstView

In a continued partnership with our transportation provider, First Students, the Penn Trafford School District continues to utilize FirstView, a bus tracking and parent communications app for your smartphone or desktop. Should you have any questions on busing please contact First Student at 724-863-1185.

 

Volunteer Clearances

Volunteers will need to have all three clearances completed and on file in the school office. Additionally, all clearances must be within five years. For more information regarding clearances and the links to apply please visit the McCullough District website under Student/Parent Resources - Volunteering in our Schools. If you are unsure as to the status of your clearances please contact the school office.

 

 

2 Hour Delays
 
Whenever the Penn-Trafford School District is on a 2 Hour Delay the Kindergarten classes will be modified.
 
The sessions will be as follows a 2 Hour Delay Day
 
AM Kindergarten - 11:00 - 12:45
PM Kindergarten - 1:45 - 3:30
 
 
Flexible Instruction Days
 
During the school year, the Penn-Trafford School District will be implementing PDE approved Flexible Instruction Days (FID) which may be used in place of a school day that would otherwise have been cancelled because of inclement weather or other emergency situation. On an FID, students will participate by means of remote instruction. 
 
Using a FID will not require additional make-up days when school is cancelled.
 
If the district calls for an FID, parents will receive a text alert announcing the closure and identifying that the schools will be online for a Flexible Instruction Day. The students will then have live synchronous instruction on that day. Should this occur McCullough Students and Staff will be following the attached schedule. Should you have any questions please feel free to contact the school office.
 
 
PSSA Testing
 
The students in grades three, four and five at McCullough Elementary School and in the Penn Trafford School District will be administered the PSSA Statewide assessment from April 22-26 (ELA) & April 29 - May 10 (Math & Grade 4 Science). The PSSA is a state standardized assessment for English Language Arts, Mathematics and Science for all students in Pennsylvania. Please see the attached letter that will provide you more information regarding the assessments.