Fall Family Weekend 2024

What is a Family Weekend?

• Family weekends are special weekends designed just for MHS students and families.
• Fall Family Weekend 2024 will begin on Friday, Oct. 25, and end on Sunday, Oct. 27. Students must return to their student homes by 5 p.m.
• All MHS families are invited to join MHS teachers and staff on campus to experience fun activities with their children, visit school buildings, see amazing student performances, eat meals together, and more!
• Family weekends are an excellent opportunity to connect with your child on campus and meet MHS community members who are important to them.

Do we need to participate in all of the events?

• Families are encouraged to participate in the activities they choose. There are no mandatory events.
• We encourage our families to get involved, meet staff, and experience campus with their child. We also understand that schedules and distance may prevent some of our families from joining.
• Some events are in person and some events are virtual. If you cannot attend in person, please take advantage of the virtual options.

How do I qualify for a free weekend?

• The passport system is an opportunity for families to earn a free overnight weekend visit by attending an on-campus event.
• Download the passport (PDF) from the family weekend website, see your houseparents for a passport, or get a copy from an MHS staff member at an event.
• Attend any in-person activity on campus and have a staff member sign it. Turn the passport in to your child’s houseparent to have an overnight visitation that does not count as one of your allotted weekends.
• Reminder: Passports only qualify families for a free weekend on Fall Family Weekend and must be used Oct. 25-27, 2024. Passports are not valid for any other dates.

Watch this instructional video below.

Can I bring other family members or family friends along for the weekend events?

• Yes, we welcome families to bring others along to bring others to visit with your student. It is a great way to show off your child’s educational and Home Life experiences.
• Although we encourage family participation in most family weekend events, please note that Sponsor Shadowing is limited to adult parents/sponsors only.

Do all events require an RSVP?

• Many family weekend events do not require an RSVP.
• If registration is needed, it will be clearly marked within the event description.
• Read each event description carefully to find out if RSVPs are needed.

Can I RSVP to MHS staff for all events or do I need to RSVP separately for each event online?

• You must RSVP to all events you want to attend separately..
• Many different departments on campus manage and host their events independently, so it is important that you RSVP or register for specific events.

We know that our campus can be overwhelming with directions. We are providing Google Maps directions to parking lots of the main locations for Fall Family Weekend events.

Fisher Hall – Senior Division

Parking Lot Directions

Learning Resource Center

Parking Lot Directions

Catherine Hall – Middle Division

Parking Lot Directions

Memorial Hall – Elementary Division

Parking Lot Directions

Gertrude Gurt Family Center

Parking Lot Directions

Founders Hall

Parking Lot Directions

Copenhaver Gym

Parking Lot Directions

Project Market

Parking Lot Directions

The Parent Portal is where you’ll get an inside look at your child’s grades in school, activities, and life in the student home. You received your username and password for the Parent Portal on Enrollment Day—email [email protected] if you need help remembering them. Be sure to keep your contact information updated to continue receiving communication from the school.

Access the Parent PortalSteps for Signing In to the Parent Portal

The portal also has a smartphone app to help you stay connected when you’re on the go.

Do you have a new student and want to learn the best ways to get involved with the MHS community? Join MHS Family Relations Manager Jay Garvey at the Gertrude Gurt Family Center along with other parents/sponsors who will share their family’s experience at MHS and offer advice for you.

8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sponsor Shadowing

Parents/sponsors are invited to shadow their student(s) throughout the school day in Senior Division buildings and follow them to their classes. Parents/sponsors should report to the front office of Fisher Hall.

RSVP to the main office at 717-520-2803 at least 24 hours in advance.

Please note:

• All parents/sponsors will be required to present a valid state driver’s license or photo ID upon entering the school building. Failure to present proper identification will result in the denial of access to the school building. Contact the main office with questions regarding this policy.
• Shadowing is for parents/sponsors only (no children, friends, or extended family).
• Please do not bring flowers, balloons, or other gifts into the school building.
• All cell phones must be turned off.

9 a.m. to 2 p.m. College and Career Counselor Appointments

Schedule an appointment to meet your Senior Division student’s college and career counselor from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. It is a good time to ask questions about academic performance, post-secondary planning, or course selection.

Parents/sponsors should park behind Copenhaver Center.

The following counselors are located in Fisher Hall:

• Dr. Farrar-Freeman
• Mr. Jones
• Mrs. Manney
• Mr. Speese
• Mr. Zapata
• Mrs. Kopp

The following counselor is located in Hammond Hall:

• Mrs. Wascovich

10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Continuing Education Scholarship Q&A

GPS staff that oversee CES will be available from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Fisher Hall to answer questions about our CES program.

2-3 p.m. GPS Meet and Greet and GPS and The Milton Hershey Way Updates

Join the GPS team for an informal meet and greet in Fisher Hall to learn more about GPS and CES programs. Staff will also be available for individual discussions about your student’s future plans.

During this time, learn more about updates to the GPS program and The Milton Hershey Way.

3:30-4 p.m. New Horizons and Spartan Dancers Performance

Enjoy performances from New Horizons Choir and the Spartan Dancers as they sing and dance in the Fisher Hall Forum!

4-4:45 p.m. Spartan Concert Band and Marching Band Performance

Enjoy a performance from the Spartan Concert Band and Spartan Marching Band on the steps of Copenhaver Hall. This performance is dependant on the weather.

9 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. Sponsor Shadowing

Parents/sponsors are invited to visit their student’s classroom from 9 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. at Memorial Hall, including lunch with your child.

Email [email protected] to sign up to attend.

Please note:

• All parents/sponsors will be required to present a valid state driver’s license or photo ID upon entering the school building. Failure to present proper identification will result in the denial of access to the school building. Contact the main office with questions regarding this policy.
• Shadowing is for parents/sponsors only (no children, friends, or extended family).
• Please do not bring flowers, balloons, or other gifts into the school building.
• All cell phones must be turned off.

9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Learn More about Year-Round Experiences

Learn more about YRE program opportunities for students to continue their learning throughout breaks and during the summer by participating in experiential learning opportunities both on and off campus.

1:50 p.m. Maximizing Relationships and Structure in Parenting Session

Join us in the Memorial Hall Auditorium as we look at what it means to be a Warm Demander. Parenting with unwavering expectations of our children in balance with the care and support they need to succeed can be challenging. In this session, we will discuss tips to put your student on the path to success.

2:15-2:45 p.m. Costume Parade

Students will parade around the outside of Memorial Hall in costumes for families and staff. Parents/sponsors are welcome to dress up. No gory costumes, please.

Email [email protected] to sign up to attend.

3:45-5:45 p.m. Treat Night

Parents/sponsors are invited to participate with their students as they visit various Elementary Division student homes to receive treats for the holiday.

Please make arrangements with your child’s houseparents before the event.

9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sponsor Shadowing

Parents/sponsors are invited to shadow their student at Catherine Hall starting at 9 a.m. No RSVP is required.

Parking is available at the bottom of the hill of Catherine Hall. A shuttle will run continuously to the Ceremonial Entrance.

Please note:

• All parents/sponsors will be required to present a valid state driver’s license or photo ID upon entering the school building. Failure to present proper identification will result in the denial of access to the school building. Contact the main office with questions regarding this policy.
• Shadowing is for parents/sponsors only (no children, friends, or extended family).
• Please do not bring flowers, balloons, or other gifts into the school building.
• All cell phones must be turned off.

9 a.m. Maximizing Relationships and Structure in Parenting Session

Join us in Catherine Hall as we look at what it means to be a Warm Demander. Parenting with unwavering expectations of our children in balance with the care and support they need to succeed can be challenging. In this session, we will discuss tips to put your student on the path to success.

9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Learn More about Year-Round Experiences

Learn more about YRE program opportunities for students to continue their learning throughout breaks and during the summer by participating in experiential learning opportunities both on and off campus.

Spartan spirit apparel, created by Senior Division students, will be sold from our Spartan Spirit Store run by Career and Technical Education program students.

Visit the store in Fisher Hall.

Enjoy a great meal with your family, and interact with MHS staff and community partners from 4:30-6:30 p.m. in the Copenhaver Gym.

Activities in Copenhaver Gym:

• Photo booth
• Meet the Social Work team
• Learn about nutrition
• Meet Catherine Hershey School staff
• Purchase discounted Hersheypark tickets for $36 while supplies last

Join Senior Division drama students and crew in the End Stage Theater in Copenhaver Center as they act out the hilarious (and frightening?) fallout when a town loses the internet in this satiric comedy.

7:30-9 a.m. Family Breakfast in Memorial Hall Cafeteria

Families of Elementary Division students are invited to eat breakfast in the Memorial Hall Cafeteria prior to their parent-teacher conferences with their student’s teacher.

Email [email protected] to sign up to attend.

8-11 a.m. Parent/Sponsor Teacher Conferences at Memorial Hall

Parents/sponsors will receive information from their student’s teacher about signing up for parent-teacher conferences in Memorial Hall. Conferences are by appointment only and can be done in person or virtually.

Connect with your child’s teacher to sign up.

8-11 a.m. Student Health Services Open House at Memorial Hall

Elementary Division Student Health Services staff will be available in Memorial Hall to answer questions about your student’s health care in the medical clinics.

9 a.m. Memorial Hall Music Showcase

Join our Memorial Hall Musicians for an exciting performance from a select group of beginner band and choir students. This short performance will take place immediately following breakfast in the Memorial Hall Cafeteria.

Student Home Luncheons

Enjoy lunch at your child’s student home. Contact your child’s houseparents for details.

8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Open House at Catherine Hall

Families of Middle Division students are invited to the Catherine Hall cafeteria for light refreshments with our staff. Afterward, families will have the opportunity to meet their child’s teacher.

8-11 a.m. Student Health Services Open House at  Catherine Hall

Middle Division Student Health Services staff will be available in Catherine Hall to answer questions about your student’s health care in the medical clinics.

9:30-11 a.m. Musical Performances at Catherine Hall

Enjoy musical performances from the Middle Division Jazz Band, Catherine Hall Select Choir, and the Spartan Ringers throughout Catherine Hall.

Student Home Luncheons

Enjoy lunch at your child’s student home. Contact your child’s houseparents for details.

8-11 a.m. Student Health Services Open House

Student Health Services staff will be available in Fisher Hall to answer questions about your student’s health care in the medical clinics.

9 a.m. to 12 p.m. College and Career Counselor Walk-In Meetings

Meet your Senior Division student’s college and career counselor from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. It is a good time to ask questions about academic performance, post-secondary planning, or course selection. No RSVP is required.

The following counselors are located in Fisher Hall:

• Dr. Farrar-Freeman
• Mr. Jones
• Mrs. Manney
• Mr. Speese
• Mr. Zapata
• Mrs. Kopp

The following counselor is located in Hammond Hall:

• Mrs. Wascovich

9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Parent/Sponsor Teacher Conferences

Parents/sponsors can visit Senior Division school buildings and meet with their student’s teachers. It is an open house format; no RSVP is required.

Questions can be directed to Mrs. Lambert at [email protected] or by calling 717-520-2803.

9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Student Artwork on Display

Parents/sponsors are invited to view the creative expressions of our MHS students on the first floor of the Clyde Stacks building. The display will feature work from art 1, art 2, pottery, and photography classes.

10 a.m. to 12 p.m. College and Career Counselor Appointments

Parents/sponsors can schedule an appointment with your child’s career counselor to discuss academic performance, course selection, or postsecondary planning.

If meeting with Mrs. Wascovich, use the Hammond Hall front door.

Student Home Luncheons

Enjoy lunch at your child’s student home. Contact your child’s houseparents for details.

Come out to Henry Hershey Field to cheer on the Spartan junior varsity football team as they compete against Susquehanna Township.

Take a closer look at more than 114 years of MHS history within the stately monument dedicated to Milton and Catherine Hershey. Tour Founders Hall Visitors Center from 1-3 p.m.

Parents/sponsors and their families are invited to spend time at the Gertrude Gurt Family Center for a relaxing afternoon together.

Purchase discounted Hershey Park tickets for $36 while you’re there.

Join Senior Division drama students and crew in the End Stage Theater in Copenhaver Center as they act out the hilarious (and frightening?) fallout when a town loses the internet in this satiric comedy.

Spartan Spirit apparel, created by Senior Division students, will be sold from our new Spartan Spirit Store trailer run by Career and Technical Education program students.

Visit the mobile store in the parking lot behind Copenhaver Center.

Join us at Project Market for a festive evening! Enjoy a bounce castle, fall-themed games, pumpkin painting, face painting, environmental education, and a petting zoo with your family.

Be sure to come hungry because there will be free s’mores and apple cider. A truck with food for purchase will also be available. Plus, the Spartan Ice Cream Center will be selling the exclusive Raise the Bar flavor.

The Spartan Modern Band and MHS String Theory will perform throughout the event.

The student-run farmers market will also be open during this time, with ice cream, produce, plants, and student-made products for sale.

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You are welcome to sit with your child’s student home or utilize our visitor seating at our weekly chapel services on Sunday. A reminder that everyone is supposed to be seated 10 minutes prior to the start of each program.

Services by Division

• Elementary Division: 9 a.m. in the Memorial Hall Auditorium
• Middle and Senior Division: 9 a.m. in the Founders Hall Auditorium

Join us for a delicious family brunch from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the Founders Hall Dining Room.

Purchase discounted Hershey Park tickets for $36 while supplies last.

Take a closer look at more than 114 years of MHS history within the stately monument dedicated to Milton and Catherine Hershey. Tour Founders Hall Visitors Center from 12-3 p.m.

Parents/sponsors and their families are invited to spend a memorable afternoon at the Gertrude Gurt Family Center.

Purchase discounted Hershey Park tickets for $36 while supplies last.

Join Senior Division drama students and crew in the End Stage Theater in Copenhaver Center as they act out the hilarious (and frightening?) fallout when a town loses the internet in this satiric comedy.