The annual Pennsylvania System School Assessment (PSSA) is a standards-based, criterion-referenced assessment which provides students, parents, educators and citizens with an understanding of student and school performance related to the attainment of proficiency of the academic standards.

These standards in English Language Arts, Mathematics, and Science and Technology identify what a student should know and be able to do at varying grade levels. School districts possess the freedom to design curriculum and instruction to ensure that students meet or exceed the standards' expectations.

Every Pennsylvania student in grades 3 through 8 is assessed in English Language Arts and Math. Every Pennsylvania student in grades 4 and 8 is assessed in science.

Individual student scores, provided only to their respective schools, can be used to assist teachers in identifying students who may be in need of additional educational opportunities, and school scores provide information to schools and districts for curriculum and instruction improvement discussions and planning.

Superintendent Dr. George Steinhoff encourages families to help their students prepare and participate:



"One of the best ways parents can best prepare their students for important standardized tests such as the SAT, Keystones, and college entrance exams is to ensure they participate in the PSSA, particularly at the middle grades," he said. "Testing in a low stakes environment prepares them to do well for important and unavoidable tests later in their experience as a student and even in some careers."

Please look out for communication from your school principal and teachers for more information about PSSA Testing beginning April 24.

The spring testing window for Keystone Exams for high school students is May 15 - 26. The Keystone exams meet the federal accountability criteria of ESSA for the high school level. Students must take the Keystone Exams for purposes of federal accountability. Failure to do so will affect a Local Education Agency (LEA) and school's participation rate.



The Keystone exams were created to replace the Grade 11 PSSA and serve as one component of Pennsylvania's statewide high school graduation requirement. Keystone Exams will help school districts guide students toward meeting state standards. The exams are end-of-course assessments designed to assess proficiency in the subject areas of Algebra I, Literature, and Biology. For more information about Keystone Exams, go the the Department of Education website or contact your school guidance counselor.

Moved within the district? If so, please contact our registrar, Marty Owens at mowens@pdsd.org or at extension 1308 to ensure your change of address is correct in our student information system. Proof of address will be necessary to adjust in our system.

Juniors and Seniors will participate in a mock crash and assembly on Wednesday, April 26 to remind students of the catastrophic impact of distracted driving. A community of leaders from State Farm Insurance, Main Line Health, Crozer Health, and local emergency response teams will work with student representatives and administration to present a realistic experience.

An assembly will feature speakers who were directly impacted by distracted/driving under the influence. Community members and parents are reminded that there will be a large emergency response presence at Sun Valley High School from 9am on April 26th to support this presentation. The rain date for this event is Friday, April 28.

Penn-Delco is pleased to offer several camps for students in grades 3 - 9*.  Review opportunities for your student to experience enrichment during the summer of 2023 at pdsd.org/enrichment23. We have payment via mail or SchoolPay online. 

* Please fill out a registration form that aligns with your preferred camp and review each camp for cost, age appropriateness, and location. 

Teams from our elementary, middle, and high school students participated in the countywide DCIU Reading Olympics events in March. One hundred sixteen teams representing 60 schools came together over five evenings at Marple Newtown School District to test their comprehension and reading skills. Learn more about our effort here!

Fourteen students in grades 5 and 6 from our elementary and middle school were selected by their band teachers to perform at the 2023 Delco Band Fest hosted at Sun Valley High School.

It was an exciting day of learning, socializing, and music on Tuesday, March 28 for 101 musicians from across the county in grades 5 and 6 as they gathered for the 2023 Delco Band Fest hosted by Penn-Delco School District in the newly renovated Sun Valley High School auditorium. Band Fest is one of many PMEA concert events across the county, region, and state for musicians in band, chorus, and orchestra for students in elementary, middle, and high schools. Learn more about this wonderful day of learning and performance, as well as the students who participated, at our website.

We are excited to welcome the class of 2035 to full day kindergarten in the 2023-2024 school year. We are offering two opportunities for parents/guardians to attend an orientation on topics including information about curriculum and assessment, the daily schedule, a “view” into our classrooms, and how to prepare your child for September. A kindergarten social will be held at each home school, including a tour, at a later date prior to the start of school.

No registration for parent orientation is necessary. You may choose to attend either event:

Monday, April 17 at 6:30pm at Pennell Elementary

Tuesday, April 18 at 9:30am at Coebourn Elementary

All new kindergarten parents from any of our four elementary schools are welcome to attend either event! If you still need to register your child for kindergarten, you may do so at pdsd.org/kreg

Evelyn Chaney and Band Director Mr. Tim Pry at the PMEA Region Band 6 Band Festival

Congratulations to Junior student Evelyn Chaney who has placed as second chair flute in the PMEA All-State Wind Ensemble to be held April 19 - 22nd at Kalahari Resort and Conference Center. Evelyn auditioned during the PMEA Region 6 Band Festival hosted at Pennridge High School March 23 - 25 where she and other musicians across the region rehearsed, auditioned, and performed. 

Our music and art students are preparing for their final concerts and shows for this school year. We are #penndelcoproud of their hard work and growth in the arts this school year!

Friday, April 14

Secondary school report cards posted

Wednesday, April 19

Board Study Session at NMS at 7:30pm in the Library

Friday, April 21

Sun Valley Junior Prom

April 24 - May 12

PSSA Testing for Grades 3 - 8

May 16 - 26

Keystone Testing

April 26

Board Meeting 7:30pm