AUGUST 27, 2026

WELCOME BACK! 

Our 5 THINGS for the WEEK AHEAD comes out every Thursday to keep you updated throughout the school year:

1. Don't miss the school district wall calendar in your child's backpack! Also, please read the first day letter for crucial back-to-school info. Note that next week is a 4-day week (no school September 4-7 in observance of Labor Day). 

 

2. Visit our first-week web portals for answers to Frequently Asked Questions and all you need to know to start the school year strong.

 

3. Have you downloaded the new Parkland App?  This new app is how we will communicate with students and families all year long.  Links to download it and more information are on our Parkland App webpage.

 

4. Protect your child's Chromebook with our Device Protection Plan - available for $20 (grades 4-12) and $10 (grades K-3) per year.  But hurry, enrollment closes September 30th! Otherwise, the Standard Repair Plan (SRP) will apply. Learn more at www.parklandsd.org/dpp.

 

5. Food Service Accounts: Food Services uses School Cafe for deposits and payments to student cafeteria accounts. New deposits and payments can be made via the www.schoolcafe.com/ParklandSD website, or by sending cash or check (payable to PSD Cafeteria) to the Food Services Office at 2619 Stadium Drive, Orefield, PA 18069.  Breakfast is free for all students this year. Families needing assistance with paying for meals may apply for meal benefits at SchoolCafe.com.

SEPTEMBER 3, 2026

4-Day Weekend: School is closed Friday, Sept 4, and Monday, Sept 7, for Labor Day. Classes resume Tuesday, Sept 8.

New Athletics Calendar Bookmark : Cheer on the Trojans! Bookmark our new Athletics Calendar for team schedules. Catch this Friday's football game at Freedom—get tickets online.

 

Golf Tournament Hole Sponsorships Still Available!  Support Parkland students at our Sept 25th golf tournament! Player spots are sold out, but you can still fund innovative teacher grants by purchasing a $200 hole sign. Register here.

Free & Reduced Lunch: Is your family eligible? Complete your School Meal Application today! Recent federal changes mean fewer students are automatically approved this year. If you haven't received a 2026-2027 Eligibility Letter, it's easy to check: Applying is quick and confidential. You only need your household income information from the last three months to apply online. Questions? Call Food Services: 610-351-5670 or visit www.schoolcafe.com/Parklandsd

 

 

NOW HIRING: School Bus Drivers

1. Daily pay: $157.35
2. Benefits: Paid holidays, sick leave, and personal leave
3. Retirement: Eligible for PSERS retirement benefits
4. Training: FREE CDL training provided, no experience required
5. Contact: 610-351-5690 or visit 2657 Stadium Dr, Orefield, PA

SEPTEMBER 10, 2026

Manage Parkland App Notifications
Parents, now that you have the new Parkland App, did you know that you can set your notification preferences?  To get a daily digest of messages at a specific time each day, tap More > Settings wheel > Notification Preferences and toggle and set your preferred time under the Message > Daily digest tab. To turn off Rooms Announcements, go to the same Notification Preferences screen and toggle off Rooms Announcements.

Fall District Newsletter 
The Fall District Newsletter is now available. Highlights include a Superintendent update, student spotlights, Class of 2026 plans, senior citizen course offerings, dual credit opportunities, and PHS stage show ticket links.

Dual Enrollment/Early College Opportunities at PHS 
Listen to the latest Superintendent’s #Parkland Pride podcast episode to learn how students can earn college credits on and off campus, reducing degree costs while still in high school.

School Picture Days Start Today!
Prepay Online at the Christmas City Photography website - school codes start working 2 -weeks prior to Picture Days
Dates and codes for each school are below:

September 10
Veterans Memorial ES: VMEMES26
Orefield MS: OREFIELD26
Springhouse MS: SPRINGMS26

September 11
Fogelsville ES: FOGES26

September 15-17
Parkland HS: PARKHS26

September 16
Kratzer ES: KRATZER26

September 17
Kernsville ES: KERNS26

These dates are not yet open for pre-payment - they open two weeks prior to picture day:
September 24
Cetronia ES: CETRO26
Parkway Manor ES: PARKWAY26

September 25
Jaindl ES: JAINDLES26

September 30
Ironton ES: IRONES26

October 5
Schnecksville ES: SCHNECK26

Basketball Golf Scramble
Support the Parkland Boys Basketball program at the 8" Cup Golf Scramble on Sunday, October 4, 2026, at Shepherd Hills Golf Course. Registration closes September 20. 
Registration Link
Sponsorship opportunities

SEPTEMBER 17, 2026

There is no school on Monday, September 21, 2026. Wishing a meaningful Yom Kippur to those who celebrate in our Parkland community!

Parkland Community Advisory Council (CAC): September Cancellation & October Invitation  The September CAC meeting that was scheduled for September 17th has been cancelled. However, we invite the public to join us for our next meeting in October:

• Topic: Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports (PBIS): A Framework for School Culture and Climate  
• Date & Time: Thursday, October 15, 2026, at 7:00 PM
• Location: Parkland School District Administration Building Board Room, 1210 Springhouse Road, Allentown, PA 18104

Football, Band, Youth Night and more on Thursday, September 17th.  The first PHS home football game is at 7 PM.  Come see the debut of the PHS Marching Band’s Greatest Showman-themed Show at half-time. It’s also Youth Night.  All youth wearing their football team jersey or cheer uniform get in FREE to the game. Come out, show your spirit, and cheer on our Trojans!

Our award-winning Parkland High School ARTS program is back with a bang, kicking off the fall season with the romantic comedy Shakespeare in Love, October 16-18. The deadline for his new play is fast approaching, but young Will Shakespeare is in desperate need of inspiration. That is, until he finds his muse... the feisty, brilliant and beautiful Viola. This crafty young woman is Will’s greatest admirer and will stop at nothing (including breaking the law) to appear in his next play. Will’s love for Viola quickly blossoms, inspiring him to write his greatest romantic masterpiece. (Age recommendation: 12 and older.)  Get your tickets at cur8.com.

Enrollment is NOW OPEN for our PHS Preschool!   This Interactive preschool program is led by experienced teachers and high school Child Development students:

• Fall Session: Nov 3 – Dec 10, 2026 | Hours: 7:50 AM – 10:45 AM (3 days/week).
• Spring Session: Mar 10 – May 27, 2027 | Hours: 7:50 AM – 11:30 AM (3 days/week).
• Eligibility: Open to children age 3 by Nov 1, 2026 who are fully toilet trained 
• Cost:  $110, includes both fall and spring sessions
• Apply now to reserve your child's spot: The program is capped at 14 children

September 24, 2026

Last Chance to Purchase Device Protection Plan - The DEADLINE IS SEPTEMBER 30th to protect your child's Chromebook with our Device Protection Plan - available for $20 (grades 4-12) and $10 (grades K-3) per year.  But hurry - enrollment closes Sept 30! Otherwise, standard repair rates will apply. Learn more on our Device Protection Plan page. 

Federal changes under the H.R. 1 law may reduce the number of students directly certified for free or reduced meals through SNAP.  Families losing benefits must submit a new school meal application, as automatic approval no longer applies. Applying is quick, confidential, and requires only knowing your last three months of household income. Apply online or call Food Services: 610-351-5670 for more information.

Exciting Programs for the Parkland Senior Citizen Community!  Senior Citizens ages 55+ are invited to join us at the Parkland Administration Building for two wonderful upcoming 6-week series designed to keep them active, connected, and sharp!

WISE (Wellness Initiative for Senior Education)
Sponsored by the Lehigh County Area Agency on Aging, this series is designed for adults 60 and older to learn practical ways to take charge of their health. Topics include celebrating this exciting stage of life, simple lifestyle choices for energy and longevity, managing medications safely and healthcare empowerment.  When: Wednesdays at 1:30 PM, starting October 7 (No class on Nov 11)

Learn to Solve the Rubik's Cube
Give your brain a workout! Taught by Parkland High School student Logan Ma, this beginner-friendly class will help you boost memory, sharpen hand-eye coordination and solve the cube step-by-step. When: Mondays, 1:30 - 3:30 PM starting September 28 (No class on 10/12 or 11/9)

Where for both programs: Parkland Administration Building

Register on our Senior Citizens Program page or call 610-351-5628. 

Shakespeare in Love and Willy Wonka Jr. Tickets! Get ready for upcoming PHS shows! Tickets for "Shakespeare in Love" (October 16-18) are on sale now. For "Willy Wonka Jr." (November 20-22), tickets go on sale September 28. Purchase tickets for both shows at www.cur8.com. Admission is $10 for students and seniors (65+), and $12 for adults. 

Homecoming Spirit Week & Food Drive (Oct. 5–9) - Join us for "Pack the Stands, Pack the Bus" food drive for Parkland students in need. Each school building will collect specific food items which will be communicated to students and families by the school. Mark your calendar for the Gridiron Flag football game on Wednesday night and the Friday Homecoming football game and float parade!  Saturday, our high schoolers will celebrate Homecoming with a dance at PHS!

october 1, 2026

1. Homecoming Spirit Week & Food Drive (Oct. 5–9) – Join us for the "Pack the Stands, Pack the Bus" food drive supporting Parkland students in need. Each school building will collect specific food items (details to be shared by individual schools). Highlights include the Gridiron Flag Football Game on Wednesday night, the Friday Homecoming Football Game and Float Parade, and the PHS Homecoming Dance on Saturday!

2. Distinguished Alumni Nominations – The Parkland Education Foundation is seeking nominations for the Wall of Honor. Submit your outstanding alumni nominations by October 31.

3. Parkland Education Foundation Tailgate – Join us on Friday, Oct. 23, from 5:45 PM – through the football game for a catered tailgate featuring food from The Sticky Pig (owned and operated by Parkland alums Stacey & Charlie Wehr)! Enjoy end-zone seating with a tent, lawn games, and more. Tickets are $20 on the Foundation website.  Check out video footage from last year's tailgate.  Thank you to Shawn Leh/State Farm for sponsoring the event!

4. The PHS Fall Play Shakespeare in Love will take the stage October 16-18. The deadline for his new play is fast approaching, but young Will Shakespeare is in desperate need of inspiration. That is, until he finds his muse... the feisty, brilliant and beautiful Viola. This crafty young woman is Will’s greatest admirer and will stop at nothing (including breaking the law) to appear in his next play. Will’s love for Viola quickly blossoms, inspiring him to write his greatest romantic masterpiece. (Age recommendation: 12 and older.)  Get your tickets at cur8.com.

5. Principal & Custodian Appreciation – October is National Principal Appreciation Month and October 2 is Custodian Appreciation Day. Please take a moment to thank our dedicated principals and custodians for ensuring a safe, supportive, and welcoming environment for our school community!