Spring Family Weekend 2024

What is a Family Weekend?

• Family weekends are special for MHS students and families.
• Spring Family Weekend begins on Friday, May 10, and ends on Sunday, May 12. Students must return to their student homes or Transitional Living buildings by 5 p.m.
• All MHS families are invited to join 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 children. However, we understand that schedules and distance may prevent some families from joining.
• Some events are in person and others are virtual. If you cannot attend in person, please use the virtual options.

How do I qualify for a free weekend?

• The passport system allows families to earn a free overnight weekend visit by attending an on-campus event.
• Download a passport (PDF), see your child’s houseparents for a hard copy, or pick up your passport from an MHS staff member at an event.
• Attend any in-person activity on campus and have a staff member sign your passport. Turn your completed passport into your child’s houseparents for an overnight visitation that does not count as one of your allotted weekends.
• Reminder: Passports only qualify families for a free weekend on Spring Family Weekend and must be used May 10-12, 2024. Passports are not valid for any other dates.

Watch this instructional video:

Can I bring other family members or family friends?

• Yes, we welcome families to bring others along to visit with their students. This is a great way to showcase your child’s Scholastic and Home Life experiences.
• While we encourage family participation, sponsor shadowing in all divisions 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 for each event separately. MHS staff are not able to RSVP for you.
• Many different departments on campus manage and host their events independently, so it is important that you RSVP or register for specific events.

Who can I talk to about ADA accommodations?

Milton Hershey School provides reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities at special events sponsored by the School. Questions about the accessibility of programs and events, and requests for accommodations at School-sponsored events, should be directed to Central Monitoring 717-520-2647 at least 72 hours (3 days) prior to the event. Please note that the School does not provide wheelchairs or other mobility devices.

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

Catherine Hall

Parking Lot Directions

Copenhaver Gym

Parking Lot Directions

Environmental Center

Parking Lot Directions

Founders Hall

Parking Lot Directions

Gertrude Gurt Family Center

Parking Lot Directions

Learning Resource Center

Parking Lot Directions

Memorial Hall

Parking Lot Directions

Project Market

Parking Lot Directions

W. Allen Hammond Hall

Parking Lot Directions

William R. Fisher Hall

Parking Lot Directions

The Parent Portal lets you view your child’s grades, activities, and life in the student home. You received your username and password for the Parent Portal on Enrollment Day. Please email [email protected] for assistance with your login credentials. 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 PortalEmail MHS IT for Login Credentials

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

Middle Division Unveiled – Moving Up from Grade 4 to Grade 5

Senior Division Unveiled – Moving Up from Grade 8 to Grade 9

11:45 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. Senior Year Unveiled – Moving Up from Grade 11 to Grade 12

The Visual and Performing Arts (VPA) program welcomes you to enjoy a visual presentation highlighting students and teachers engaging in educationally rigorous and reflective VPA activities.

Browse the online store and snag some swag to show your MHS pride! The sale will close on Tuesday, May 14.

8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Parent/Sponsor Shadowing

Parents/sponsors are invited to shadow their student(s) during the school day in Senior Division buildings from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and follow them to their classes. Parents/sponsors should report to the front office of William R. Fisher Hall with their driver’s license to check in and meet their student(s).

RSVP to Kristen Lambert in the Senior Division main office by Wednesday, May 11 at 717-520-2804.

Please note:

• All parents/sponsors must present a valid state driver’s license or photo ID upon entering the school building. Failure to present proper identification will deny access to school buildings. 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 school buildings.
• All cell phones must be turned off.

9-11 a.m. College and Career Counselor Walk-In Appointments

Meet your Senior Division student’s college and career counselor from 9-11 a.m. This is a good time to ask questions about academic performance, post-secondary planning, or course selection. No RSVP is required for this activity.

The following counselors are located in William R. Fisher Hall:

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

The following counselor is located in W. Allen Hammond Hall:

• Mrs. Wascovich

11:45 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. Senior Year Unveiled – Moving Up from Grade 11 to Grade 12

Parents/sponsors and students transitioning from Grade 11 to Grade 12 (Senior Year) are invited to attend an information meeting and tour Transitional Living buildings from 11:45 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. Learn more about the continuing education scholarship, financial aid, postsecondary planning, and Transitional Living.

Check in at TL Ivanhoe at 11:45 a.m. Lunch will be provided.

2:15 Parents/Sponsors Meeting for 9th and 10th Grade Students

Parents/sponsors are invited to attend a brief meeting to learn more about the Milton Hershey Way progress report in the Fisher Hall Forum.

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

Parents/sponsors can shadow their Middle Division students at Catherine Hall from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Parking is available at the bottom of Catherine Hall’s hill. A shuttle will provide access to the building.

Please note:

• All parents/sponsors must present a valid state driver’s license or photo ID upon entering the school building. Failure to show proper identification will deny access to the school building. Contact the main office at 717-520-2600 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.

9:15 Parents/Sponsors Meeting

Parents/sponsors are invited to attend a brief meeting to learn more about the Milton Hershey Way progress report.

1:25 p.m. Middle Division Jazz Band Performance at Palmyra Area Middle School

Travel to Palmyra Area Middle School to watch the Middle Division jazz band perform at 1:25 p.m. during the Music in the Parks festival. Performances will last three to five minutes.

Palmyra Middle School is at 50 W. Cherry St., Palmyra, PA 17078. There will be signs at the school directing you to where to park and where to enter the building.

Please note: This is not an MHS event. The festival is being hosted at another school district.

4 p.m. Middle Division Dance Concert at Catherine Hall

Parents/sponsors and their families are invited to attend the Middle Division Dance Concert at 4 p.m. in the Catherine Hall auditorium. Students will be performing original choreography.

Parent/Sponsor Shadowing from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Parents/sponsors can visit their Elementary Division student’s classroom from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Memorial Hall and enjoy a presentation from the leadership team.

To sign up, email [email protected].

Please note:

• All parents/sponsors must present a valid state driver’s license or photo ID upon entering the school building. Failure to show proper identification will deny access to the school building. Contact the main office at 717-520-2400 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.

12-1:30 p.m. Parents/Sponsors Cookout Lunch

Parents/sponsors are invited to a special lunch with the Elementary Division leadership team from noon to 1:30 p.m. in the Multi-Purpose Room at Memorial Hall. Students will eat with their class. RSVP by emailing [email protected].

1:30-1:45 p.m. Parents/Sponsors Meeting

Parents/sponsors are invited to attend a brief meeting to learn more about the Milton Hershey Way progress report in the Memorial Hall Auditorium. RSVP by emailing [email protected].

Elementary Division Band and Choir Concert at 2 p.m.

Parents/sponsors and their families are invited to the Elementary Division band and choir performance at 2 p.m. in the Memorial Hall Auditorium.

Visit the Founders Hall Visitors Center where more than a century of MHS history comes to life. The renovated Visitors Center features interactive exhibits, historical albums, and alumni awards/collections.

10 a.m. Middle Division Unveiled – Moving Up from Grade 4 to Grade 5

Parents/sponsors of students transitioning from grade 4 to grade 5 are invited to attend an information meeting with the Middle Division leadership team at Memorial Hall to learn more about Middle Division and ask questions.

2 p.m. Senior Division Unveiled – Moving Up from Grade 8 to Grade 9

Parents/sponsors of students transitioning from grade 8 to grade 9 are invited to attend an information meeting with the Senior Division leadership team at Catherine Hall to learn more about Senior Division and ask questions.

Parking is available at the bottom of the hill of Catherine Hall. A shuttle will provide access to the building.

11:45 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. Senior Year Unveiled – Moving Up from Grade 11 to Grade 12

Parents/sponsors and students transitioning from Grade 11 to Grade 12 (Senior Year) are invited to attend an information meeting and tour of Transitional Living buildings from 11:45 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. Learn more about the Continuing Education Scholarship, Financial Aid, Postsecondary Planning, and Transitional Living.

Check in at TL Ivanhoe at 11:45 a.m. Lunch will be provided.

Join us 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, led by our Home Life Training and Development staff, we will discuss tips to put your student on the path to success.

Sessions will be held at Memorial Hall and Catherine Hall from 3-3:45 p.m. and are open to parents/sponsors of all students.

Spartan apparel designed by Senior Division students will be sold from the Senior Division Student Government Association’s new Spartan Spirit Mobile Store.

Visit the mobile store in the parking lot behind Copenhaver Center from 3:30-5 p.m.

From 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., enjoy a meal with your family and interact with MHS staff and community partners in the Spartan ice rink.

Activities in the Spartan ice rink: 

• Photobooth
• Caricaturist
• Crafts with Education and Human Service career pathway students
• Hershey Company Human Resources (HR) information table
• Catherine Hershey Schools for Early Learning HR information table
• You can purchase discounted Hersheypark tickets for $36 while supplies last. Cash only, no card. These tickets are valid for the weekend of May 10-12 only.

Join us at Project Market for Animal Encounter—an interactive, hands-on learning experience with some animals that call MHS home. Learn how Agricultural and Environmental Education program students utilize animals on campus and at county or state competitions.

Visit Project Market, an Agricultural and Environmental Education program student-run business, for fresh produce, Spartan Ice Cream, cosmetics, and more! You can also shop their plant sale while there. Follow MHS Project Market on Facebook for more details.

Visit the Founders Hall Visitors Center where more than a century of MHS history comes to life. The renovated Visitors Center features interactive exhibits, historical albums, and alumni awards/collections.

Join us at 10 a.m. as we celebrate outstanding parents/sponsors. Then, stick around for the Spartan Family Fun Run/Walk and lunch.

The Family Gratitude Foundation in Honor of Gertrude Gurt, created the award to recognize a parent/sponsor from each division and a parent/sponsor of a graduating senior. These parents/sponsors are recognized for their strength and resiliency in the face of adversity and their love and dedication to MHS as modeled by Mrs. Gertrude Gurt, the mother of MHS President Pete Gurt ’85.

Parents/sponsors and their families are invited to attend the Spartan Family Fun Run/Walk on Saturday, May 11, at 10:30 a.m. Proceeds benefit The Family Gratitude Foundation in Honor of Gertrude Gurt. Plan to stick around for lunch.

Parents/sponsors are not required to donate to participate.

Event Details:

• When: Saturday, May 11, 2024; Rain or shine
• Race Start Time: 10:30 a.m.
• Where: Spartan Athletic Complex Circle, located near Henry Hershey Field
• Address: 655 Brook Drive, Hershey, PA, 17033
• Event Map: View the course map before the event

Additional Details:

• There will be activities along the route, including:
  • Hydration station
  • Crafting/Mother’s Day card station
  • Spartan Spirit Mobile Store

• Lunch will be provided after the race in the Spartan ice rink.
• Wear your Spartan gear to show your MHS pride.

10:40 a.m. Senior Division New Horizons Choir Performance at Middletown Area Middle School

Travel to Middletown Area Middle School to watch the Senior Division New Horizons Choir perform at 10:40 a.m. during the Music in the Parks festival. Performances will last three to five minutes.

Middletown Middle School is at 215 Oberlin Rd., Middletown, PA 17057. There will be signs at the school directing you to where to park and where to enter the building.

Please note: This is not an MHS event. The festival is being hosted at another school district.

11:20 a.m. Middle Divison Select Choir Performance at Middletown Area Middle School

Travel to Middletown Area Middle School to watch the Middle Division Select Choir perform at 11:20 a.m. during the Music in the Parks festival. Performances will last three to five minutes.

Middletown Middle School is at 215 Oberlin Rd., Middletown, PA 17057. There will be signs at the school directing you to where to park and where to enter the building.

Please note: This is not an MHS event. This festival is being hosted at another school district.

11:45 a.m. Senior Division Band Performance at Hershey High School

Travel to Hershey High School to watch the Senior Divison Band perform at 11:45 a.m. during the Music in the Parks festival. Performances will last three to five minutes.

Hershey High School is at 550 Homestead Rd., Hershey, PA 17033. There will be signs at the school directing you to where to park and where to enter the building.

Please note: This is not an MHS event. This festival is being hosted at another school district.

Join the MHS community for a family lunch after the Spartan Family Fun Run/Walk in the Spartan ice rink.

You can purchase discounted Hersheypark tickets for $36 while supplies last. Cash only, no card. These tickets are valid for the weekend of May 10-12 only.

Families are invited to spend time at the Gertrude Gurt Family Center where you can also create thank you notes for MHS staff during your visit.

Join MHS in the Founders Hall Auditorium for a live performance from comedian and ventriloquist Taylor Mason.

Blending observational humor, keen musicianship, state-of-the-art ventriloquism, and magic effects, Taylor Mason presents a positive, hilarious, and unforgettable program.

Parents/sponsors and their families are invited to the Senior Division Dance Concert starting at 7 p.m. in the Founders Hall Auditorium.

You are welcome to attend our weekly chapel services on Sunday. Sit with your child and their student home or Transitional Living building, or utilize our visitor seating. You must be seated 10 minutes before the start of each service.

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 to celebrate the women in your life from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the Founders Hall Dining Room.

You can purchase discounted Hersheypark tickets for $36 while supplies last. Cash only, no card. These tickets are valid for the weekend of May 10-12 only.

Join us at Gertrude Gurt Family Center for Animal Encounter—an interactive, hands-on learning experience with some of the animals that call MHS home. Learn how Agricultural and Environmental Education program students utilize animals on campus and at county or state competitions.

Join MHS at the Gertrude Gurt Family Center for snacks, arts, and crafts for the whole family! Capture the moment and make a lasting memory together. Test your luck to win prizes, too.

Parents/sponsors and their families are invited to spend time at the Gertrude Gurt Family Center, where you can also create thank-you notes for MHS staff during your visit.

Year-Round Experiences and Learning Resource Center (LRC) staff invite families of all students to visit the LRC to enjoy relaxing activities, snacks, and a trivia contest run by our own Senior Division students. There will also be a free children’s book giveaway.

Parents/sponsors and their families are invited to the Senior Division Dance Concert, which will start at 2 p.m. in the Founders Hall Auditorium.