Spring Fest at Octorara Primary Learning Center this Saturday
The Octorara PTO invites families and community members to Spring Fest on Saturday, March 14, from 1:00–5:00 PM at the Octorara Primary Learning Center.
This family-friendly event will feature rides, games, competitions, raffle baskets, and a variety of food trucks. Guests who register in advance can take advantage of special pricing on unlimited rides and game tickets.
Bring your family and friends and join us for an afternoon filled with fun, laughter, and community spirit. We hope to see you there!
Congratulations to Mr. Fantazzi!
On February 28, Mr. Greg Fantazzi, OASD Athletic Director, was inducted into the Pennsylvania Wrestling Hall of Fame at Oxford High School.
Mr. Fantazzi has dedicated 30 years as a PIAA Wrestling Official, officiating at the sectional, district, regional, and state levels — including six PIAA State Tournaments.
We are proud to celebrate this well-deserved honor and his continued leadership in Octorara athletics!
Students Shine at Keystone STEM Competition
Creativity and problem-solving were on full display as students in grades 5–12 participated in the first Keystone STEM Competition at the Chester County Intermediate Unit. Teams of up to five students competed in elementary (grades 4–5), middle (grades 6–8), and high school (grades 9–12) divisions.
Students were challenged to brainstorm, design, and create solutions that could improve schools. Using the engineering design process, teams worked together to turn their ideas into working models and presentations.
Our high school team earned 1st place with their design for an improved backpack. One middle school team placed 3rd with their concept for a janitor robot designed to support more efficient cleaning. At the elementary level, students earned 2nd place with their design for a school-supplied robot.
The competition highlighted students’ creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving skills. It was a great opportunity for students to apply STEM concepts to real-world challenges and represent our schools with pride.
OHS and OMS will begin at 9:45 AM and the OIS and PLC will begin at 10:45 AM.
We encourage families to use extra caution while traveling. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation as we work to ensure a safe start to the day.
The Boys Basketball District 3 Semi-Final game has been postponed to Tuesday, February 24.
We are incredibly proud of our student-athletes and coaches for the outstanding season they’ve put together and the hard work that has earned them a place in the District 3 Semi-Finals.
Location: Milton Hershey School – Spartan Performance Gym
655 Brook Drive, Hershey, PA 17033
Doors Open: 5:30 PM
Game Time: 7:00 PM
Tickets: $8
• Purchase online through Hometown Ticketing here: https://events.hometownticketing.com/boxoffice/piaad3/L2VtYmVkL2FsbA%3D%3D
• Cash accepted at the door
• NO passes will be accepted
Can’t make it? The game will be live streamed through the NFHS Network (pay-to-watch).
Let’s pack the gym and show them the strength of our Octorara community!
Go Braves! 🏀
Additional information, including frequently asked questions, and the FID Attendance Sheet, can be found here: https://www.octorara.k12.pa.us/page/flexible-instruction-days-fid
All buildings and campuses will be closed to support snow removal. The Board Education Committee meeting will be canceled.
Join us for Into the Woods! Our talented students have been working tirelessly to bring this beloved story to life with stunning vocals, dynamic performances, and a touch of fairy tale magic.
From familiar characters to powerful lessons about choices and consequences, this production promises an unforgettable night of theatre.
March 5 & 6 | 7pm
March 7 | 2pm & 7pm
Tickets are available at the door or may be purchased in advance here: https://events.hometownticketing.com/boxoffice/octorara/entity/schools/3
Senior Families – Yearbook Deadlines
The downhill side of the school year is here, and we want to make sure you don’t miss these important senior yearbook dates:
Tribute Ads (Optional)
Celebrate your graduating senior with a personalized message in the yearbook!
Deadline: February 27, 2026 (https://studentservicesco.com/octorara/yearbook-tribute-ads/)
Photo Submissions
Email photos to 📧 yearbookhs@octorara.org
Please include:
• A baby photo
• A photo with any high school siblings
• “Blast from the past” school-age photos
🗓 Deadline: Friday, March 6, 2026
Pre-Order the 2026 Yearbook
Reserve your copy today at https://studentservicesco.com/
Limited extras will be available, so pre-ordering is strongly encouraged.
🗓 Online sales open through at least April 4, 2026
Thank you for supporting the yearbook and helping us celebrate the Class of 2026!
Octorara Area School District Hosts Legislative Luncheon to Share Vision and Student Experience
Octorara Area School District recently welcomed state legislators and staff to campus for a Legislative Luncheon, during which district leadership shared “The Next Chapter of OASD,” outlining the vision, priorities, and forward momentum shaping the district’s future.
The District was honored to host State Senator Carolyn Comitta, Representative Dan Williams, Representative Bryan Cutler, and Representative John Lawrence, along with members of their teams, including Michael Hartman, Chief of Staff to Senator Comitta; Nikki Whitlock, Chief of Staff to Senator Katie Muth; and Bill Scholl, Chief of Staff to Representative Williams.
District leadership spoke candidly about the district’s current academic performance and the need for continued improvement. Leaders outlined the focused work underway to strengthen instructional practices, increase student achievement, and build a clear path forward through the development of the district’s Strategic Roadmap, which will guide priorities and goals in the years ahead.
A highlight of the luncheon was a student conversation featuring four Octorara students who shared reflections on their educational experiences and future aspirations. Their perspectives offered legislators meaningful insight into the impact of public education within the district. Guests enjoyed a lunch prepared from scratch by students in the Octorara Area Career and Technical Education Culinary Arts program, showcasing the talent, professionalism, and real-world skills being developed across the district.
“Our goal was to create space for thoughtful dialogue and to ensure our legislators hear directly from the students and educators they serve,” said Superintendent Dutkiewicz. “We are proud of the progress taking place across our district and remain committed to continued growth, collaboration, and opportunity for every student.”
“Having started my career as a teacher in the Octorara Area School District, it is a pleasure to see the district grow to meet the needs of a diverse community and prepare generations of young people for success in school, work, and life. Octorara is pursuing a strategic vision for the future that includes community partnerships, expanded career programs, enhanced professional development, and more. I look forward to seeing those plans progress and appreciate feeling welcomed home every time I visit or interact with Octorara schools, students, teachers, and families,” said State Senator Carolyn Comitta.
Octorara Area School District values strong partnerships with state leaders and appreciates the opportunity to engage in meaningful conversation about the future of public education.
Open Board Director Position | Octorara Area School Board of Directors
Due to Board Director Jere Zimmerman’s resignation from the Board of Directors, a seat on the Board is open for a term to run from March 9, 2026 through the next General Municipal Election in 2027.
Qualifications:
Must be at least eighteen (18) years of age;
Must have been a resident of the District for at least one (1) year prior to the date of election or appointment;
May not also hold an incompatible office such as district attorney, borough or township treasurer, member of council in any municipality, township commissioner, township supervisor, tax collector, assessor, assistant assessor, comptroller, auditor or constable;
May not be a District employee or in certain cases, an employee of the Chester County Intermediate Unit; and
Must reside in Region 2
Region 2 | Sadsbury Township (Lancaster County), West Fallowfield Township
To Apply
Send Letter of Interest and Resume to:
Attention: Jill Hardy, Board Secretary
Octorara Area School District
228 Highland Road, Suite 1
Atglen, PA 19310
Or email to: jhardy@octorara.org
Deadline for Letter of Interest and Resume: March 2, 2026
A Full-Circle Moment: Alex Lantz '19 Returns to Serve the Educators Who Shaped Him
During a recent staff in-service day, educators were welcomed with delicious coffee and a familiar face. Alex Lantz, Class of 2019 and owner of Basileia Coffee, returned to Octorara to serve coffee to the educators who helped shape his path.
“It means a lot. I love giving back to those who poured so much into me, and I believe that’s something we are all called to do.”
For Alex, the visit was more than a business opportunity. It was a full-circle moment and a reflection of the relationships that defined his time as a student.
Looking back, he points to both the academic experiences and the personal investment of his teachers. “I’ll always remember debating in Mr. Udell’s government class, learning to think critically in Ms. Watson’s English class, spending time with my basketball teammates, and even winning Homecoming King. But most of all, I’ll remember how the staff genuinely cared about us as humans, not just students.”
Teachers including Mr. Udell, Ms. Watson, Ms. Eshlemen, Mr. Pepe, Mr. Coyle, and Mr. Voss left a lasting impact. “They saw everyone, not just the high achievers or the loudest voices. They had a passion for their students.”
Alex credits Octorara with providing meaningful opportunities and the foundation he now draws on as a business owner. “The difference was whether or not I applied myself. I learned skills in math, accounting, reading, and English that I still use every day running my business. Athletics, clubs, and part-time work helped build skills you can’t always quantify, like public speaking, networking, and critical thinking.”
A four-year member of the basketball team, Alex balanced academics and athletics while working 20 to 22 hours per week during the school year. That experience shaped his discipline and work ethic. “Being part of a team and holding a steady job taught me that nothing worthwhile comes easy. Everything takes work and sacrifice.”
Today, returning to Octorara with Basileia Coffee represents both gratitude and growth. “It’s not just about coffee. It’s about giving back and showing current students what’s possible.”
Alex’s journey reflects the lasting influence of dedicated educators and the opportunities available to students who fully engage in their experience. His story is a reminder that strong relationships, hard work, and a supportive school community can shape paths long after graduation.
Octorara Area School District is offering QBS Safety-Care: Verbal De-Escalation, a free training for parents to learn evidence-based strategies for managing challenging behaviors at home.
February 28 | 9 AM–1 PM
HUB at Octorara Middle School
Register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfxMaWAUzOaj9ITKLTEuXT67GAbIziHqLkYU1jvExjXdmHZhw/viewform
🏀 1,000 POINTS!
Congratulations to Vincent Thaler on scoring his 1,000th career point! An amazing accomplishment and a moment to remember for our Boys Basketball program. Way to make history, Vincent! 🔥👏
Attention Senior Families:
The downhill side of the school year is upon us. Here is a reminder for you regarding upcoming deadlines related to the yearbook's senior section:
Personalized messages, called Tribute Ads, can be purchased for congratulating your graduating senior. They are optional. Click HERE for more information about how you can get a personalized message into the yearbook for your senior. Deadline for submitting a tribute ad is February 27, 2026.
Email any photos you would like the yearbook team to consider using in the yearbook to yearbookhs@octorara.org. Please send a baby picture of your senior, a picture of your senior with any HS siblings, and/or photos of your senior throughout their school-age years. Deadline for baby, sibling and blast from the past photos is Friday, March 6, 2026.
To order a copy of this one-of-a-kind publication, please make sure to pre-order a copy of the 2026 yearbook by clicking here. Not many extra copies will be available, so you aren't guaranteed to be able to get a copy if you don't preorder. On-line sales of the yearbook will stay open through at least April 4, 2026.
Thank you for your support,
The Yearbook Team
Weather Update for Tuesday, 1/27
Due to snow and ice, and roadway challenges, OASD will operate a Flexible Instruction Day on Tuesday, January 27. The FID counts as a school day and gives students time to complete assignments, connect with teachers, and enjoy the snow.
Additional information, including frequently asked questions, and the FID Attendance Sheet, can be found here.
Please note that we will not be utilizing the automated phone call feature for this notification. We are actively reviewing communication procedures and will be exploring improvements moving forward. The campus will remain closed.
