🍎 Johnny Appleseed Day at Pittston Primary Center! 🌱
Today our entire Primary Center celebrated Johnny Appleseed’s birthday with a variety of activities across grade levels! Students learned all about John Chapman (aka Johnny Appleseed) and explored his story through reading, writing, art, music, and science.
Across the building, classes participated in creative apple-themed lessons:
🎨 Art: George Seurat-inspired dot apple paintings
🎶 Music: Singing lively apple-themed songs
🍏 Spotlight on Mrs. Hughes’ and Mrs. Zambetti’s 2nd Grade Classes.
Mrs. Hughes’ students combined writing, science, and math for an exciting day of learning! They wrote their own “If I Were Johnny Appleseed…” stories. Both classes made hypotheses to test whether apples float or sink, and experimented with different substances to see what keeps apples from turning brown — lemon juice was the winner! 🍋 Mrs. Zambetti’s class even made homemade apple sauce!
We loved seeing our students engaged in so many hands-on, cross-curricular activities while celebrating this American legend!
#PittstonPrimary #JohnnyAppleseed #CreativeLearning #CrossCurricular #STEM

3 months ago, Aryanna Davis
A table with lemon juice, vinegar, backing soda, milk, water and nothing labeled . With apples in clear cups of each.
Girls in a classroom holding sink or float apple activity sheets
If I were Johnny Appleseed writing. My name would be RyleeStrawberry seed. I would plant strawberriesin New Jersey in the woods. I wood wear a top hat on my head. Illustrated with a student drawing.
Students at an art table using red, yellow and green dot markers to color their apple drawings
Four students wearing paper johnny appleseed hats in front of a smartboard with 5 apple song on the smart board behind them.
Students at an art table using red, yellow and green dot markers to color their apple drawings
A class seated in an oval around and apple experiment with papers to document their findings
Two girls eating applesauce smiling
Two boys eating apple sauce giving thumbs up
A classroom table with a crock pot labeled apple sauce and a book The apple pie tree
🍎🌱 Mrs. Christina LoPresto’s class had a bushel of fun celebrating Johnny Appleseed Day! 🌱🍎
Students engaged in differentiated apple-themed activities, including creating beautiful apple paintings and using apple manipulatives to build patterns and practice counting skills. 🍏🍎
Hands-on learning made the day both fun and educational as we honored Johnny Appleseed’s legacy! ❤️📚
3 months ago, Aryanna Davis
A boy smiling holding a painting if apples in a basket and an apple coloring sheet colored with yellow, brown and green dot markers.
A boy holding an apple coloring sheet with red, broen, and green dots while smelling an apple foam toy.
A boy smiling at the camera holding apple math manipulatives while a girl creates apple patterns with apple math manipulatives.
A boy holding a basket of apple painting smiling at the camera.
A girl at a classroom table ordering math manipulatives with a book that says complete the pattern.
🎉 It’s Footloose Time in 2nd Grade! 🎉
Our students are taking learning to the next level with Footloose – a fun and engaging way to review key skills!
Here’s how it works:
👫 Students pair up – one becomes the reader, the other the recorder.
🔎 They travel the hallway, finding numbered items that focus on grammar or phonics.
📝 Together, they read, discuss, and decide on the correct answers to write down.
🔄 Once finished, teams exchange and check each other’s work!
This activity gets kids up and moving, reading, thinking, and collaborating – all while reinforcing the skills we’re learning in class.
💡 Learning doesn’t have to stay in the classroom — it can happen anywhere!
Get up, get moving, and keep learning! 🚀
3 months ago, Aryanna Davis
Students stand side by side at a brightly decorated bulletin board. One is pointing at a sentence card on the wall while the other holds a clipboard labeled ‘Footloose’ with numbered spaces for answers. Both are actively participating in a movement-based learning activity, reading and recording responses together.
Students stand side by side at a brightly decorated bulletin board. One is pointing at a sentence card on the wall while the other holds a clipboard labeled ‘Footloose’ with numbered spaces for answers. Both are actively participating in a movement-based learning activity, reading and recording responses together.
Students stand side by side at a brightly decorated bulletin board. One is pointing at a sentence card on the wall while the other holds a clipboard labeled ‘Footloose’ with numbered spaces for answers. Both are actively participating in a movement-based learning activity, reading and recording responses together.
Students stand side by side at a brightly decorated bulletin board. One is pointing at a sentence card on the wall while the other holds a clipboard labeled ‘Footloose’ with numbered spaces for answers. Both are actively participating in a movement-based learning activity, reading and recording responses together.
Students stand side by side at a brightly decorated bulletin board. One is pointing at a sentence card on the wall while the other holds a clipboard labeled ‘Footloose’ with numbered spaces for answers. Both are actively participating in a movement-based learning activity, reading and recording responses together.
Students stand side by side at a brightly decorated bulletin board. One is pointing at a sentence card on the wall while the other holds a clipboard labeled ‘Footloose’ with numbered spaces for answers. Both are actively participating in a movement-based learning activity, reading and recording responses together.
Students stand side by side at a brightly decorated bulletin board. One is pointing at a sentence card on the wall while the other holds a clipboard labeled ‘Footloose’ with numbered spaces for answers. Both are actively participating in a movement-based learning activity, reading and recording responses together.
Students stand side by side at a brightly decorated bulletin board. One is pointing at a sentence card on the wall while the other holds a clipboard labeled ‘Footloose’ with numbered spaces for answers. Both are actively participating in a movement-based learning activity, reading and recording responses together.
Students stand side by side at a brightly decorated bulletin board. One is pointing at a sentence card on the wall while the other holds a clipboard labeled ‘Footloose’ with numbered spaces for answers. Both are actively participating in a movement-based learning activity, reading and recording responses together.

Former PA cheerleader Mrs. Flynn and her class are cheering on our Patriots in this exciting football season! Some of our Patriots were in this very same classroom in 1st grade with Mrs. Flynn! Let’s Go, My Boys!❤️🏈❤️🏈

Mrs. Flynn and her class are pictured here with the PA signs they made to support our boys!

In the second picture, Giuliana Cielo and her cousin Selena Macario are cheering on Giuliana’s brother Nico Cielo #51 and their cousin Paulie Ferentino #6! Good Luck to our Patriots tonight! Go PA! ❤️🤍💙
3 months ago, Aryanna Davis
A class of first grade students pose in a group with their teacher smiling at the camera, the students are holding football and cheer leading signs in their classroom on the rug with a sign that says Let’s go patriots behind them.
Two girls hold red, white and blue handmade signs that say go team. In front of a sign that says Lets go Patriots.
Our school has received a generous donation from the 2024/2025 Weis 4 School Program, made possible by Weis Markets and the incredible support of our school community. 🏫💙
This donation was earned through the loyalty of families and friends who registered their Weis Rewards Card and shopped at Weis Markets during the program. Thank you for helping us make a difference for our students’ education! 📚✨
The 2025/2026 Weis 4 School Program is now live! To continue supporting our school, visit www.Weis4School.com to link your Weis Rewards Card and start earning toward Pittston Area Primary Center’s share of $500,000.
Please share this program with other parents, faculty, PTO members, relatives, and friends—every dollar spent by registered participants helps our school earn even more!
Thank you again for your continued support, and thank you to @WeisMarkets for investing in our community. 💙❤️💙❤️
3 months ago, Aryanna Davis
A promotional graphic for the “Weis 4 School” program. The background resembles a chalkboard. On the left side, a teal cloud shape contains white text reading “Help your school earn a share of $500,000” with a small white paper airplane illustration. In the center, the main logo says “weis4 school” with the word “weis” in red, the number “4” in green, and “school” in white lowercase letters. Above “weis” is a simple white outline of a school roof. Below the logo is the slogan “Building a Weis future” in white cursive script. On the right side is a blue backpack filled with school supplies including a ruler, notebook, calculator, and pens. Another paper airplane is shown at the bottom flying toward the text.
Breaking News: Our Lost & Found has achieved “mountain” status. 🏔️
Parents, please label everything so we can send it home.

The lost and found is located in the vestibule near the front doors. Email your child’s teacher or send a note if you see something that belongs to your child.
3 months ago, Aryanna Davis
A large lost and found caddy draped with children's sweaters, pencil cases and a pikachu lunch box.
Brown wooden table in a school lobby with a red tile floor. The table has several children’s water bottles and a patriot sculpture.
We’re so excited for all the fun 🎃🍎🚍 happening at Pittston Area Primary Center this October—field trips, concerts, and Halloween celebrations ahead!
3 months ago, Aryanna Davis
A flyer titled “Pittston Area Primary Center – Calendar of Events – October 2025.” It lists school events with dates: Friday, October 3 – Trip to Roba’s for 1st & Kindergarten classes Friday, October 10 – Full Act 80 Day – NO SCHOOL for students Monday, October 13 – Columbus Day (No school) with a small illustration of a ship on water (stock image). Friday, October 17 – Trip to Lakeland Orchard for 2nd grade classes Monday, October 20 – (PTO) Patriot Dash. Underneath is a graphic of five children running, labeled First, Second, Third, Fourth, Fifth. October 28–29–30 – 2nd Grade Halloween Concert at 6:30 p.m. October 28: Classes performing – Mrs. Melvin, Mrs. McGuire & Ms. Mecadon October 29: Classes performing – Miss Ralston, Mrs. Chesniak & Mrs. Eike October 30: Classes performing – Mrs. Zambetti, Mrs. Hughes & Mrs. Montalvo Thursday, October 31 – Halloween – Act 80 Day, Early Dismissal: 12:45 p.m. Car Students 1:00 p.m. Bussing Students At the bottom there’s a festive Halloween illustration showing carved pumpkins and candy with the word “Halloween” in large orange letters.
📣 2nd Grade Families,
Our amazing Second Grade students have been working hard completing Lesson 3 on Dogs! 🐶
As a special treat, we’ve invited the local SPCA to visit our school and present to our 2nd grade students on October 3rd.
To show our appreciation for their time and efforts, we’re asking for your help! If you’re able, please send in an item from the Donations Request List. Items can be sent anytime between now and October 3rd and may be brought to the gym for collection.
Thank you for your generosity and support! ❤️
— The Second Grade Teachers
3 months ago, Aryanna Davis
A printed flyer from the SPCA of Luzerne County with their logo at the top left (a circular seal with an image of a dog and cat). The flyer includes the organization’s contact information: Address: 524 East Main Street, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702 Phone: (570) 825-4111 Website: www.spcaluzernecounty.org The title “WISH LIST” appears prominently. Below, there are four sections listing items they need: Animal Supplies Cat litter (clay non-clumping) Canned cat food Dry kitten chow Canned dog food Guinea pig food Rabbit food Timothy hay Ferret food Collars & leashes Harnesses & slip leads Kong toys for dogs Cat toys & scratchers Peanut butter (non-xylitol) Small cat beds Kuranda dog beds Cleaning Supplies Paper towels Toilet paper Dish & laundry detergent Bleach, Windex & Clorox wipes Non-pine floor cleaners Dust pans with small brooms Dog-waste scoopers Latex/non-latex gloves – all sizes Office Supplies and Miscellaneous Items 8½ x 11 copy paper Scotch tape refills Pens and dry erase markers AA, AAA, D & 9-volt batteries 6-inch paper plates Trash bags (55 gallons) Tall kitchen bags Ziploc bags (small or large) Pre-paid fuel cards Gift cards for Petco or Petsmart Rubbing alcohol Peroxide Items From Home Towels Blankets Washcloths No pillows please There’s a note explaining this is a list of the most common items needed regularly. If donors have items not listed, they can call (570) 825-4111 to check if they’re useful. At the bottom, the flyer states that the SPCA of Luzerne County is a private 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization relying solely on community kindness. They receive no funds from the government or national animal welfare organizations. They care for over 3,000 animals each year. Bold text at the end reads: “Thank you for your continued support of the SPCA of Luzerne County!”
An illustration shows three animals sitting side by side: a light brown dog on the left holding a bag of dog food in its mouth, a medium brown-and-white dog in the middle with a green bone-shaped collar, and a black-and-white cat on the right sitting next to a pink bowl with a paw print. To the right of the animals is a green donation box labeled “DONATION” with white paw prints on it. Two human hands are shown from the right side dropping coins into the donation box. The background is soft pastel colors with abstract plant shapes and small heart shapes.
Our students had an amazing day! Mrs. Lopresto’s group showed their school spirit by making awesome signs to cheer on our Pittston Area football team 🏈, while Mrs. Chesneak’s class celebrated her special day – Happy Birthday, Mrs. Chesneak! 🎂🎈
A heartfelt thank you to our families for supporting today’s Dress Down Day for Paint the Planet Pink 💗 and for cheering on our very own teacher, Mr. Mike Capone, who’s participating in this year’s Gentleman’s Dash. We’re so proud of our school community! ❤️
#PittstonAreaPride #FunFriday #PaintThePlanetPink
3 months ago, Aryanna Davis
Four students standing in a group in front of a pink smiley and floral bulletin board. They are holding up red and blue construction paper signs decorated with pom poms, football helmets and fottballs.
A group of students posing in their classroom with their teacher Mrs. Chesneak. Mrs. Chesneak is seated in the middle of the group of students with a pink birthday crown and two birthday balloons.

📢 Primary Center Families – Permission Slips Due Friday (9/19)! 📢
Kindergarten & 1st Grade Primary Center students will be visiting Roba Family Farms on Friday, October 3, 2025!

🔹 Who: Kindergarten & 1st Grade Primary Center students
🔹 Where: Roba Family Farms – 200 Cranston Ave, North Abington Twp, PA 18414
🔹 Cost: Students attend free (wristband provided by PTO). Chaperones and other guests pay $10 at the farm (cashless).
🔹 Chaperones: Each student must have a designated chaperone (21+). If you can’t attend, you must name another adult to go with your child.
Transportation Options:
🚌 Ride the Bus – Student & chaperone ride together. Arrive at school 8:45 AM. Bus leaves 9:15 AM sharp & returns at 1:00 PM.
🚗 Drive Yourself – Meet at the farm 10:00–10:45 AM to sign in & pick up wristbands. (Arrivals after 10:45 AM will be marked absent.)
Lunch:
Order a school bagged lunch on the permission slip or bring one from home. (Roba’s is cashless and time at snack bar is limited.)
📩 Questions? Email PTO@pittstonarea.com
✅ Please read & keep the instruction sheet, and return page 2 (permission slip) to your child’s teacher by Friday, September 19!

4 months ago, Aryanna Davis
Page one of the permission slip from the pto for robas.
Page two of the robas permission slip
📢 Pittston Area School District Parent Reminder for Friday, September 19th 📢
1️⃣ Early Dismissal – Act 80 Day
Friday, September 19th will be an Act 80 Day at the Pittston Area Primary Center.
Car riders will be dismissed beginning at 12:45 PM
Bus riders will be dismissed beginning at 1:00 PM
Parents of bus riders, please adjust your pick-up times accordingly.
2️⃣ District-Wide Dress Down Day- Wear Pink!
We’re holding a dress down day to support our very own Mike Capone as he represents our district in the Paint the Planet Pink Gentleman’s Dash!
Suggested donations: $5.00 for adults / $2.00 for students
3️⃣ Permission Slips Due – Roba’s Trip (K & 1st Grade Only)
Kindergarten and 1st Grade parents: permission slips for the PTO Trip to Roba’s on Friday, October 3rd are due Friday, September 19th. Please be sure to return them with your child.
Thank you for your cooperation and support! ❤️💙
4 months ago, Aryanna Davis
A bright and colorful digital graphic with a light blue background. At the top, in large navy-blue text, it says “Friday, September 19.” Below are three bold, color-coded sections with rounded edges: Orange section with a red circle labeled “1”: Large yellow text reads “EARLY RELEASE.” Smaller navy text says “1 pm release at Primary Center.” Green section with a blue circle labeled “2”: Large white text reads “DRESS DOWN DAY.” Smaller navy text says “Suggested donations: $5.00 adults, $2.00 students.” Pink section with a yellow circle labeled “3”: Large white text reads “PERMISSION SLIPS DUE.” Smaller navy text says “for Roba’s trip (K & 1 only).”
Duryea Wildcats Football players and Cheerleaders will be attending the Pittston Area High School Football Game tonight!
Let’s show our support for both our Wildcats and the Pittston Area Patriots — wishing both teams the best of luck in their games this weekend! ❤️🤍💙🐾💙🤍
4 months ago, Aryanna Davis
Primary students in a classroom in football uniforms, cheer uniforms and wildcat football t shirts.
Mrs. Flynn and two wildcat football players in her first grade classroom.
Mrs. Melvin and a group of her students dressed in their wildcats football gear
A wildcat football player in a football pose at school
A wildcat football player in a football pose at school
A wildcat cheerleader in a cheer pose at school
A wildcat football player in a football pose at school
A wildcat football player in a football pose at school
A wildcat football player in a football pose at school
A wildcat football player in a football pose at school
Mrs. McGuire’s 2nd grade class is showing their school spirit! 🏈💙
Our students created colorful signs to cheer on the Patriot football team. Good luck to the Patriots as they take on Wyoming Valley West at home tonight at 7 PM! Go Patriots! 🎉
4 months ago, Aryanna Davis
A group of about 20 second-grade students and their teacher are standing and kneeling in a brightly lit school hallway. They are smiling and proudly holding up handmade, colorful drawings and signs featuring footballs, pom-poms, megaphones, and cheerleader designs. Above them, classroom signs read “Mrs. Hughes Room 162” and “Mrs. McGuire Room 163.” The students appear happy and excited, showing their support for the Patriot football team.
Mrs. Zambetti's Class reflected on the importance of September 11th and all the wonderful Patriots that helped out. Students wrote about a Patriot who was important to them. Here are a few of our great writers!
4 months ago, Aryanna Davis
A group photo of 2nd grade students dressed in red, white and blue to celebrate Patriot day,
Student writing with illustration about a patriot. With student drawing and clipart of the american flag and eagle.
Student writing with illustration about a patriot. With student drawing and clipart of the american flag and eagle.
Student writing with illustration about a patriot. With student drawing and clipart of the american flag and eagle.
Student writing with illustration about a patriot. With student drawing and clipart of the american flag and eagle.

We kicked off our STAR Ticket program this week! 🎟️✨ Students demonstrating Self-Control, Taking Responsibility, a Positive Attitude, and Respect can now earn STAR tickets.
Each ticket means:
⭐ A chance to pick a prize from the principal 🎁
⭐ A positive phone call home to celebrate their success 📞💙
Our students were so excited to start earning tickets—keep up the amazing STAR behavior, Patriots! 💫
#PatriotPride #STARBehavior #PositiveChoices #PAPC

4 months ago, Aryanna Davis
Students line up in the hallway to receive their first STAR tickets from the principal. A colorful Patriot mascot cutout and the STAR behavior chart are displayed proudly nearby.
A rectangular outdoor school sign with a blue and white header reads “PITTSTON AREA PRIMARY CENTER” in bold white letters on a blue background. Below that, a changeable letter board displays the message “BE A STAR STUDENT!” with two yellow smiling star graphics on either side of the words. The bottom of the sign’s post is red with a white oval containing the word “PATRIOTS” in blue capital letters. The sign is set on a landscaped area with mulch, rocks, and some plants. A road and grassy area with trees are visible in the background under a cloudy sky.
Tomorrow is Patriot Day. To honor and remember the heroes of 9/11, we invite all students and staff to wear red, white, and blue. ❤️🤍💙
Let’s come together as a school community to show respect and remembrance.
4 months ago, Aryanna Davis
A clip art image of a cartoon girl wearing a red and blue shirt waving with a heart flag. On a cream background with blue text that states Patriot Day September 11 Tomorrow is Patriot Day. We’ll wear red, white and blue to honor and remember the heroes of 9/11. Thank you for helping us make this a meaningful day!

📣 Show your Patriot Pride and support the Pittston Area PTO! ❤️💙
👕 Tees, 👔 long sleeves, and 🧥 cozy sweatshirts are available in multiple colors and sizes. Every purchase helps support our students through PTO programs and events.
👉 Order here: https://stores.inksoft.com/pittston_area_pto/shop/home
✅ Orders are processed weekly, and you’ll be contacted by Mad Tees when your order is ready.
Don’t miss your chance — grab your gear and show your school spirit today! 🎉
#PittstonArea #PatriotPride #SupportOurSchools #PTO

4 months ago, Aryanna Davis
The top of the Pittston Area PTO online store webpage. A banner shows the Pittston Area Patriots logo in red, white, and blue with a bulldog mascot. Below it, text reads: “The Pittston Area PTO Store will close September 16th @ 11:59 PM. Orders are processed weekly. When your order is complete you will be contacted by Mad Tees.” A countdown timer displays “12 days, 9 hours, 3 minutes, 22 seconds.” Beneath, a red Pittston Area Patriots short-sleeve cotton tee priced at $17.
On Fridays, our students and staff show their Patriot pride by dressing in school colors and celebrating together. Today, Mrs. Montalvo’s class was filled with smiles, cheers, and handmade spirit signs to cheer on our Patriots football team! 🏈❤️💙
Good luck to the football team tonight at Nanticoke – we’re all behind you! Go Patriots! 🔴🔵
4 months ago, Aryanna Davis
A classroom of smiling elementary students poses with two teachers. The children hold up colorful handmade football-themed signs and pom-poms in red and blue. The whiteboard behind them reads “Friday, September 5, 2025” with a school assignment listed.
Lori Baumes kneels between two smiling students, Angelina F and Willow C. all showing off decorated football helmet posters in red and blue with encouraging messages for the team.

Congratulations to Spencer, who read the most during Mrs. Rava’s Summer Reading Challenge! 🌞📖 He dedicated 30 minutes every single day to reading, and that commitment really paid off. Way to go, Spencer—we’re so proud of you! 👏🎉
Did you know?
📖 Reading just 30 minutes a day can:
Expose you to over 1 million words a year ✨
Strengthen focus, memory, and critical thinking 🧠
Build lifelong learning habits that set you up for success 🌟
Keep turning those pages, readers—the adventure never stops when you open a book! 🚀📚
#SummerReadingChallenge #PAPC #KeepReading #ReadersAreLeaders

4 months ago, Aryanna Davis
Spencer R. stands in a school hallway, smiling and holding a colorful certificate of award. Behind him is a bulletin board decorated with large yellow cartoon stars and red stars.
A completed “Summer Reading Pledge” calendar sheet with days marked off in June, July, and August, showing consistent daily reading. A large red star sticker is placed in the middle.
Spencer R. holding a colorful certificate of award stands next to a smiling Mrs. Rava in a school hallway. Behind them is a bulletin board decorated with large yellow cartoon stars, red stars, and motivational classroom posters.
📢 FREE Breakfast & Lunch for All Students! 🍎🥪
Pittston Area Primary Center is proud to provide FREE breakfast and lunch to all students every day!
✅ Breakfast is served at arrival.
After 8:50 AM, students will first check in with their teacher, then may return to the cafeteria for breakfast.
✅ Lunch is also free to every student, with delicious daily options!

📅 Check out our September breakfast and lunch menus.
#PittstonArea #FreeMeals #HealthyKids
4 months ago, Aryanna Davis
A breakfast menu for Pittston Area Primary Center, September 2025, with the same apple-themed design. Daily breakfast items include options like breakfast pizza, mini maple waffles, egg & cheese on croissant, chocolate chip French toast, pancake & sausage on a stick, and more. Each day also includes assorted cereals or cereal bars with graham crackers. The right side explains what makes a meal and lists whole grain cereal choices such as Cheerios, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, and Cocoa Puffs.
A colorful lunch menu for Pittston Area Primary Center, September 2025. The background has a smiling red apple character sitting on green grass under apple trees with the text “At Peace Apple.” The calendar lists daily lunch options such as cheese quesadilla, mini corn dog nuggets, Salisbury steak, mac & cheese, BBQ pork rib sandwich, and more. Each day also includes “featured veggies” like green beans, broccoli, carrots, or corn. The right side explains what makes a meal (choice of whole grain, protein, fruit, vegetable, and milk).