Dear Parents/Guardians: 

During the months of April and May, Keystone Oaks students in grades 3-8 will participate in the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA) on the following dates: 

English Language Arts (Grades 3-8) - April 22-26, 2024

Mathematics and Science (Grades 3-8) - April 29 - May 3, 2024

Section 4.4 of Chapter 4 State Guidelines for Academic Standards and Assessment provides for the right of any parents or guardians to excuse their children from the State Assessment if, upon inspection of the testing materials, they find the assessment to be in conflict with their religious beliefs. This is the only basis for a parent or guardian to excuse his or her child from the Statewide assessments. Parents and guardians may review the Assessments by making arrangements with the building principal. A Parent Confidentiality Agreement must be signed after the review concludes. 

If after review the test, parents/guardians find the test to be in conflict with their religious beliefs and wish their child to be excused from the Assessment, they are require to provide a written request to the Superintendent that states the objection. 

Please find the PSSA Information for Parents or Guardians which may answer many of your questions regarding each of these assessments on the District's website. The PA Department of Educations' policy prohibiting the use of cell phones or electronic devices during the Assessment is also available on the District's website. 

Please contact your child's principal with any additional questions. 

Sincerely, 

Shannon Varley, Ed.D.
Assistant to the Superintendent for Student Achievement

Keystone Oaks School District