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Blue Ball Elementary School

Empowering Learners as Global Thinkers and Producers

September 27, 2026

Posted Date: 09/27/26 (06:10 PM)


September 27, 2026

BBES Newsletter

Blue Ball Elementary School

Blue Ball Families and Community,

Welcome to this week’s Blue Ball Elementary School Newsletter! We are excited to share important updates, upcoming events, and highlights from our school community to keep families informed and connected. We had a great time Monday surprising the learners with a "Surprise Attendance Day". We celebrated everyone who was in attendance with a special fruit freezer pop at lunch.
Two smiling school staff members hold a colorful sign that reads "Surprise Attendance Day!" while holding blue pom-poms.
A teacher smiles and waves with a blue pom-pom in a bright school hallway, while students walk by in the background.
 

Spotlight on Academics

This year, we invite learners and families to read for at least 15 minutes, five nights each week. Each month, your child will bring home a reading calendar that can be returned for a special prize. October’s calendar features an spider theme. Please return September calendars by October 5. Be sure your child's name and teacher is on the calendar. Additional family activites are pictured below the calendar.
A colorful October 2026 calendar page with spider facts, a cutout puppet activity, and holiday markers.
An educational graphic titled 'Anatomy of a Spider' labels the parts of a dark blue spider illustration.
An educational graphic titled Spin-A-Story features spider facts and instructions to make a paper finger puppet.
 

Upcoming Events

October 1st and 2nd - No School; Teacher Inservice Days
October 5th - School Board Meeting
October 6th - PTO Meeting
October 9th - Bubble Fun Run
October 12th - No School; Teacher Inservice Day
Example calendar with dates pinned
 

Staff Member of the Week

Learners have the opportunity to recognize staff members for their positive contributions to our school community. During morning announcements, learners share why they nominated a staff member and present them with a Texas Roadhouse certificate. This week, we are proud to celebrate Ms. Gentile!
A teacher and student pose smiling in a brightly decorated classroom, holding a certificate.
 

PTO Reminders

Thank you to everyone who joined us at our September PTO Meeting. Watch for information about our "Bubble Fun Run" to support our PTO.
Blue Ball Elementary PTO September newsletter with sections for important info, upcoming events, and a librarian spotlight.
 

Excellence in Attendance

We are grateful to our families for prioritizing daily attendance and partnering with us to support each child’s learning. Consistent attendance helps learners build essential skills, stay connected to classroom instruction, and develop confidence as learners. Being present each day also provides meaningful opportunities to collaborate with peers, build friendships, practice teamwork, and feel a strong sense of belonging in our school community. When learners are here and engaged, they are better prepared to learn, grow, and succeed—together.

Congratulations to the following classes that had 95% or better attendance last week: Mrs. Gehman, Mrs. Bliss, Mrs. Sweitzer, Ms. Duscha, Mrs. Jarratt, Mrs. Mergenthaler, Mrs. Noyes, Ms. Urban, Mr. Beebe, Ms. Gentile, Ms. Spahr, Mrs. Schultz, and Mrs. Williams.

If you have attendance questions or need to submit an absence note, please email the school office at bb_office@elanco.org. Just a friendly reminder that excuse cards/absence notes should be received within three school days of the absence.
 

Future Kindergarten Learners

See the flyer below to request a Ready for Kindergarten Pack. Call 717-354-1543 or scan the QR code to request one.
An informational flyer from Eastern Lancaster County School District detailing Ready for Kindergarten Fall Packs for children turning 5 before September 1, 2027.
 

Community Resource

See below for information on CrossNet's Winter Coat Program.
A flyer for a Winter Coat Program by CrossNet Ministries, featuring details about coat distribution, activities, and a QR code.
 
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