Octorara Launches PreK Matters Program

The Octorara Area School District is excited to introduce PreK Matters, a free, high-quality preschool program designed to help young learners build a strong foundation for kindergarten and future success.

Located at the Primary Learning Center, PreK Matters combines hands-on learning, purposeful play, and social-emotional development to support the whole child. Students build early literacy, math, and problem-solving skills while exploring science, social studies, and the world around them through engaging, age-appropriate experiences. The program focuses on fostering confidence, curiosity, independence, and positive relationships, helping children develop the academic and social skills needed to thrive in school.

PreK Matters is available to children who will be 4 years old by September 1, 2026, and whose family income is at or below 300% of the Federal Poverty Level. Morning and afternoon sessions are available.

Families interested in learning more about eligibility and enrollment can visit the PreK Matters webpage or contact Beth Peticca, Kindergarten Transition/Early Learning Coordinator, at 610-593-8238 ext. 10110.

11 days ago, Communications
New PreK Matters preschool program. The top half features a diverse group of young children smiling and engaged in a classroom setting. Below the image, large text reads "NEW PreK Matters" with the tagline "Building Bright Beginnings."

Join us in welcoming our new elementary principals to the Octorara community!

Families are invited to attend a Meet & Greet with:

  • Ms. Kelly Bourne, Principal of the Octorara Primary Learning Center

  • Mr. Jonathan Blake, Principal of Octorara Intermediate School

Wednesday, May 13 | 5:00 PM
Octorara Primary Learning Center Library

We hope you will join us to meet Ms. Bourne and Mr. Blake and help welcome them to Octorara! Additional opportunities to connect will be planned for families who are unable to attend.

21 days ago, Communications
Meet our new elementary principals, Ms. Kelly Bourne & Mr. Jonathan Blake. Join us at a Meet and Greet on Wednesday, May 13 at 5pm at the Octorara primary learning center

In celebration of Autism Acceptance Month, OIS students brought learning to life by hosting The Blue Café for staff.

The student-run café provided a meaningful, hands-on opportunity for students to practice real-world communication and functional skills in an engaging and supportive environment. Students took on the role of café workers, greeting customers, taking orders, pouring drinks, and asking questions to better understand each customer’s preferences.

Each student participated in a way that reflected their individual strengths, creating an inclusive experience that built confidence, independence, and teamwork. The café also allowed students to rotate through different roles, supporting one another and gaining a variety of experiences throughout the event.

We are incredibly proud of our students and the success of The Blue Café, and we look forward to future opportunities to continue building these important life skills.

about 1 month ago, Communications
students work together at The Blue Cafe, learning new skills
students work together at The Blue Cafe, learning new skills

Field Day is quickly approaching at Octorara Intermediate School! Students have the opportunity to purchase a Field Day shirt for $12. Shirts are completely optional, but a fun way to show school spirit.

The deadline to order is April 26, so don’t wait!

Place your order here: https://stores.cedarstream.com/octorara_intermediate/shop/home

about 2 months ago, Communications
Field day shirts are available for purchase
Field day shirts are available for purchase

PSSA & Keystone Exams Information Night

Families are invited to attend an interactive information session on Monday, April 13 at 5:00 p.m. in the Middle School Multi-Purpose Room.

This session will provide an overview of the PSSA and Keystone Exams, including what students can expect, how the assessments support learning, and how results are used at both the school and district level. Participants will also have the opportunity to ask questions and learn practical ways to support their child’s success, including building confidence, maintaining healthy routines, and encouraging a positive mindset.

We encourage all families to attend as we work together to support student success.

To RSVP, click here.

about 2 months ago, Communications
A flyer for "Understanding the PSSA and Keystone Exams", sharing general information as well as an upcoming event for families to learn more on April 13 at 5PM at the OMS Multi-Purpose Room.

Words Come to Life at Our 13th Annual Vocab Parade

Words weren’t just spoken last week. They were brought to life.

At our 13th Annual Vocab Parade, students and teachers transformed the hallways into a celebration of language, creativity, and learning. Dressed as their favorite vocabulary words, participants showcased imaginative costumes that turned definitions into something you could see, recognize, and remember.

From clever interpretations to laugh-out-loud moments, each costume reflected not only a strong understanding of vocabulary, but also the joy of learning. The parade continues to be a beloved tradition in our school community. It highlights the power of words while encouraging creativity and confidence in our students.

Each year, the event reminds us that learning can be both meaningful and fun, and this year was no exception. Additional highlights can be viewed in our Instagram reel here.

2 months ago, Communications
Students and staff dress in costume for our annual vocab parade. In this photo, the word they chose was 'allegiance'.

We’ve made some exciting updates to our Octorara school websites!

Each school subsite has been refreshed to make it easier for families to find important information, navigate pages, and stay connected. You’ll notice a more user-friendly layout, clearer organization, updated content, and a consistent look across all schools.

To explore, click the “Schools” button at the top of the homepage to access your child’s school page. Please take a few minutes to complete our feedback form. Your feedback will help guide future improvements to better serve our school community.

2 months ago, Communications
Click. Explore. Stay Connected. OASD has launched new subsites for each school.