We all have been affected by the COVID-19 Crisis, and we can do something to help those in need. We will be collecting gift cards and monetary donations at a drive-thru donation station from 1-3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 5 at the Upper St. Clair High School theatre entrance.

The money and gift cards will be distributed to families/individuals that could use your support during the holiday season.

SHIM has asked for gift cards for the following stores: Walmart, Amazon, and Target ($5-$20 gift card value). OR, monetary donations in any amount.

Any questions? Please contact Abby and Jude Pagliai at akpagliai@verizon.net.

Teen Battle of the Books

6 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 16

For more information and to sign up, please visit: https://twpusc.libcal.com/event/7227870 

For tweens and teens in 5th grade and up.

Test your knowledge of books that have become movies in the past year!  This edition of Battle of the Books will be played on Kahoot over ZOOM.  

Books this year are:

* The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate
* Artemis Fowl, Book 1 by Eion Colfer
* Enola Holmes: The Case of the Missing Marquess, Graphic Novel by Serena Blasco
* The Witches by Roald Dahl
* Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli

You'll have to answer specific questions about each book!  There will be a prize for the top three finishers.

Upper St. Clair School District has partnered with several surrounding districts to offer families a Transition Fair, COVID-style. A virtual transition fair will launch at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 3. The first few hours will even offer live sessions that you will be able to attend virtually and interact with the presenters. Because this site is protected, you must register for the event. It is free. But your email address needs to be added to "the list" as being permitted to attend. Click on this link to register Transition Fair Registration. 

Our Transition Fair is similar to a college fair in that it is a way for families to get information. What's great about a Transition Fair is that it helps provide families with information on WHATEVER is coming next for their child. There will be information offered from various agencies, schools, programs, and colleges that all provide different options for individuals after high school. While the target audience for some of the organizations is individuals who have a disability or other barriers to success, there is truly something for everyone to learn about through this event. Many folks will also be live on the evening of Dec. 3 to answer questions about their organization or provide presentations about what they offer.

The Bible Chapel is excited to announce that beginning on Oct. 21, the Special Needs Ministry will be offering weekly respites for individuals with disabilities age 4 – adult. 

WHO: The Bible Chapel Special Needs Ministry
WHAT: Weekly respites for individuals with disabilities ages 4 - adult
WHEN: Wednesdays, from 2:30 – 5:30, beginning Oct. 21
WHERE: The Bible Chapel, 3000 Gallery Drive, McMurray, PA 15317

Space is limited to 8 individuals each respite and registration is required.

For more information about these respites or the Special Needs Ministry, please contact Jaclyn Royall, director of the Special Needs Ministry at jroyall@biblechapel.org.

Wednesdays at 4:30 p.m.

November 4

December 4 - December 9 - December 16

Click here to register!

Thursdays at 9:30 a.m.

NOV. 5 - NOV. 12 - NOV.19

DEC. 3 - DEC. 10

Click here to register!

CHIP is short for the Children's Health Insurance Program - Pennsylvania's program to provide health insurance to uninsured children and teens who are not eligible for or enrolled in Medical Assistance. Nine out of 10 CHIP parents report satisfaction with their child’s health plan, and 96% received an appointment for check-ups and vaccinations as soon as they wanted.

There are a lot of reasons kids might not have health insurance - maybe their parents lost a job, don't have health insurance at work or maybe it just costs too much. Whatever the reason, CHIP may be able to help. All families need to do is apply today.

Internet Essentials from Comcast offers low-cost Internet service, discounted computer equipment and free digital literacy training to families with at least one child eligible to participate in the National School Lunch Program. 

Internet Essentials Includes:

* 10 Mbps Internet service for just $9.95 a month + tax
* No activation fees and no equipment rental fees
* Option to purchase a computer for just $149.99 + tax
* Access to free Internet training online, in print and in person
* A wireless gateway, delivering in-home WiFi at no additional cost

For additional information about Internet Essentials, including program eligibility criteria, please visit www.internetessentials.com.