March 2026

Dear Third Grade Parent/Guardian,

A typical part of springtime in schools is the completion of state-mandated standardized tests.  Mechanicsburg Area School District is required to administer the PSSA/PASA and Keystone Exams for the 2025-2026 school year.  

All third, fourth and fifth graders will complete the PSSA ELA and Math tests between April 21st and May 1st.  Our classroom teachers and interventionists will proctor this test.

Third grade will complete one test section each of the following days starting at 8:30 am:

• ELA – April 21- 23

• Math – April 28-29

If your child is absent on any of these testing days, there will be makeup sessions in the week of May 4th, as needed.  As a reminder, Educational Trip Requests will not be approved during PSSA testing days.

Attendance and participation during these exams are critical to gain proper data for district and state purposes.  We do recognize a family’s right to opt out of these state assessments. Families who wish to opt-out of these assessments should send a letter or email to the school’s main office that includes your child’s name and grade level along with whether you are seeking a religious exemption or opting out for other reasons.  

For more information check out the PSSA Frequently Asked Questions, Code of Conduct for Test Takers, the cell phone/electronic device policy and the calculator policy.  All information regarding Pennsylvania PSSA testing can be found on our district webpage (www.mbgsd.org) under “Academics” menu and by selecting “PSSA and Keystone State Assessments” or by clicking on the BUTTON below.

Thank you for your continued flexibility and understanding as we work to navigate this requirement before the end of the school year. 

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,

Mr. Paul Bigham
Principal   

All information regarding Pennsylvania PSSA testing can be found on our district webpage (www.mbgsd.org) under “Academics” menu and by selecting “PSSA and Keystone State Assessments” or by clicking on the BUTTON below.