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Blue Ball Elementary School

Empowering Learners as Global Thinkers and Producers

Blue Ball Newsletter - 4/12/2026

Posted Date: 04/12/26 (05:30 PM)


April 12, 2026

BBES Newsletter

Blue Ball Elementary School

Blue Ball Families and Community,

Welcome to this week's edition of the Blue Ball Elementary School Newsletter! We're excited to share the latest happenings and updates from our school community to keep you informed and engaged.
 

Cooperation Learners of the Month

Congratulations to our learners who were recognized for exhibiting Cooperation during the month of March. These learners exhibited working together to reach shared goals.
A diverse group of smiling children stand together, each holding a certificate that reads 'Purposeful with Cooperation'.
 

Living Smart & Healthy Night

A very special thank you to our dedicated specialists who thoughtfully organized and planned such a memorable evening for our Blue Ball families. Thanks to their hard work and creativity, the event was filled with engaging opportunities for learners and their families to connect, explore, and have fun together. From browsing and enjoying the Book Fair to participating in hands-on STEM activities, there was truly something for everyone. The gym was alive with energy as families took part in a wide range of physical activities, while others enjoyed expressing their creativity by making personal kazoos and designing their own friendship bracelets It was wonderful to see so many smiles, laughter, and meaningful moments shared throughout the night. Events like this help strengthen our school community and create lasting memories for our learners and their families.

We are also incredibly grateful for the generous support of the Spartan Education Foundation, whose contributions helped provide resources for the raffle baskets. Their continued partnership plays an important role in making events like this possible and enriching the experiences we can offer our students and families.
Four children pose playfully inside a large cardboard cutout of a Megalodon shark's jaws at a Scholastic Discovery Fair.
A young girl in a pink skirt browses books in a library or bookstore, surrounded by colorful displays.
Children play volleyball in a gymnasium decorated with blue and white balloons.
Five smiling individuals stand behind a table displaying gift baskets, with a brick wall in the background.
Three children are engaged in building with colorful construction rods and connectors at a table in a library.
Children and adults gather around a table, engaged in a beading craft activity with colorful beads and pipe cleaners.
 

Student Council Service Project

Help us support Student Council's Community Service project. These learners are organizing "Birthday Boxes" to donate to CrossNet's Food Pantry. These birthday boxes will help families celebrate special days with their loved ones. We are assembling the "Birthday Boxes" after school on Monday, 4/13, so you are welcome to bring in any items tomorrow.
 

Spotlight on Academics

We are excited to send home a Family Math Challenge: Math Around the House! This activity is designed to bring math to life by encouraging students and their families to explore how math is used in everyday situations. From counting and sorting for our youngest learners to measuring, budgeting, and working with fractions for our older students, there are engaging options for every grade level.
Families are invited to choose a few activities to complete together and talk about the math they notice along the way. This is a wonderful opportunity to build problem-solving skills, strengthen math confidence, and most importantly, have fun learning together.
We look forward to seeing students’ reflections and hearing about their favorite math moments at home!

You are still welcome to return any of the following Family activities.

BBES 2026 Winter Olympics Medals Graph - 5th grade has the highest participation!

Hershey Bears Reading Log - 1st grade has the highest participation! There are limited Hershey Bears Games left to redeem the coupon code.

Book Bingo Challenge - 1st grade has the highest participation!

Panda Express Bookmark (return with your child's full name and teacher) - 1st and 5th grade have the highest participation!
 

Upcoming Events

April 13th - Committee of the Whole School Board Meeting; 7:00 PM
April 17th - 2nd Grade Field Trip
April 17th - PTO Popsicles on the Playground; 6:30-8:00 PM
April 20th - School Board Meeting; 7:00 PM
April 21st through April 23rd - PSSA ELA for Grades 3-5
April 23rd - Konnecting with Kinders Night
April 26th - Elementary Band Concert; 2:00 PM @ GS Auditorium
April 28th and April 29th - PSSA Math for Grades 3-5
April 28th - Elementary Orchestra Concert; 7:00 PM @ GS Auditorium
April 29th - 1st Grade Field Trip
April 30th and May 1st - PSSA Science for Grade 5
April 30th - 2nd Grade Chorus Program; 7:00 PM
April 30th - Orientation for Rising 5th Grade Families; 6:00 PM at GSMS
Example calendar with dates pinned
 

PTO Reminders

Our next PTO Meeting is Tuesday, May 5, 2026 at 6:30 PM in the Blue Ball Conference Room.


 

Excellence in Attendance

We are grateful to our families for sharing your children each day as we grow and learn together. When students attend school consistently, they not only strengthen essential skills in reading, writing, and math, but also benefit from collaboration with peers—sharing ideas, building teamwork, and forming lasting friendships. Being together nurtures social development and fosters a sense of belonging that enriches the learning experience. When everyone is present, we grow stronger, more confident, and better prepared for success—together.

Congratulations to our Attendance Pizza Winners. Our thanks to DiMaria's Pizza & Italian Kitchen for supporting our learners amazing attendance.
Four smiling children stand in front of a colorful brick-patterned backdrop, each holding a "Pizza Winner" certificate.
 

Staff Member of the Week

Staff members have the opportunity to recognize their peers for their contributions and dedication. We celebrated Mrs. Shrawder and Mrs. Milaccio during morning announcements this past week. We extend our sincere thanks to Texas Roadhouse for providing certificates and meal coupons for these individuals.
A smiling woman wearing glasses holds a "Teacher of the Month" certificate from Texas Roadhouse.
A smiling woman holds a "Teacher of the Month" certificate from Texas Roadhouse.

2026-2027 Kindergarten Registration

Kindergarten Registration for the 26-27 school year is open. If you have an incoming Kindergartener, we encourage you to start the registration process.
Eastern Lancaster County School District announces 2026-2027 Kindergarten Registration opens February 1, 2026.
 

Kindergarten Open House

Blue Ball Elementary Kindergarten Open house for families with children starting Kindergarten in the 26-27 school year is May 7, 2026 from 5:30-7:00 PM.
Poster for the ELANCO Kindergarten Open House hosted by Eastern Lancaster County School District.
 
Person using a laptop

Contact info

If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact us. You can reach out via the following links:

Email: kimberly_andersen@elanco.org
Phone: 717-354-1525
Location: 126 Ewell Road, East Earl, PA
Website: www.elanco.org