Community Engagement

When: Friday, January 9, 2026, 2:10 PM - 3:00 PM

Where: This is a virtual presentation

Are you interested in working around animals? How can your passions and skills help wildlife? Join a naturalist as we explore different careers at Northwest Trek and learn how the skills you are currently mastering as students will help you find your dream job. This program was created with Career and Technical Education requirements in mind and showcases individual skills, group skills, and community and career skills

🐼 This is a free event for students in grades 9-12!

When: Tuesday, January 13, 2026, 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Where: Hopewell Shopping Center; 2284 Brodhead Rd #10b, Aliquippa, PA 15001

Join us for a STEAM-focused field trip to Pinball PA in Aliquippa, PA! Students and their families will explore the history of pinball and video games through a guided tour led by the museum’s owner. The experience highlights connections to science, technology, engineering, art, mathematics, and finance as students learn how arcade and pinball machines work, from circuitry and programming to design, artwork, and mass production. Students will also discuss the cultural and economic impact of gaming throughout history while engaging with classic machines in an interactive museum setting.

We will also get some unlimited free play on the games after our tour!

🐼 Note: PA Distance will cover the cost of each PA Distance student and 1 additional parent or guardian per student.  Each additional person is $10.00 cash the day of the event.

When: Wednesday, January 14, 2026, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Where: 2027 Fairmount Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19130

Join us for a guided tour of Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia, PA! Students in grades 6–12 and their families will explore the prison’s history and discuss justice and the role of prisons in society. Much of the tour takes place in areas that are not temperature-controlled, so please dress warmly. Spaces are limited and will be granted on a first-come, first-served basis, so please sign up only if you plan to attend.

🐼 Note: PA Distance will cover the cost of each PA Distance student and 1 additional parent or guardian per student.  Each additional person is $15.00 cash the day of the event.

When: Thursday, January 15, 2026, 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM

Where: Uniontown Public Library; 24 Jefferson St, Uniontown, PA 15401

Join Ms. Ruane and Ms. Rooney at the Uniontown Public Library for the second edition of Planets and Pancakes. We had so much fun at the first one that we decided to do it again! We will be making a pancake dinner while we learn about outer space! Each student will be decorating their very own 3-D model of the solar system!

🐼 Note: There is no cost to attend this event!

When: Thursday, January 22, 2026, 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM

Where: 159 East Market Street York, PA 17401

Join us for Popcorn & Problem Solving at the Martin Library in York, PA! This interactive socialization event invites students to work together in a relaxed, hands-on setting while enjoying popcorn and all the fixings. Through age-appropriate problem-solving stations, students will collaborate on logic puzzles, team-building challenges, strategy games, and riddle-based activities that promote critical thinking and communication. The event concludes with a collaborative group challenge and a brief reflection on teamwork and problem-solving strategies, creating a fun and tasty, low-pressure environment for students to connect with peers.

🐼 Note: There is no cost to attend this event!

When: Wednesday, January 28, 2026
  Grades 7-12 Cost of War: 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
  Grades 2-6 Re-Enlist: 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM

Where: This is a virtual presentation

The Gettysburg National Park Service will lead PA Distance students on a virtual field trip to explore the Battle of Gettysburg. This historic battle was a turning point in the Civil War, marking the Union victory that ended General Robert E. Lee’s second and most ambitious invasion of the North. Often called the “High Water Mark of the Rebellion,” Gettysburg also inspired President Abraham Lincoln’s famous “Gettysburg Address.”  We will offer two sessions:

Grades 2-6: Re-Enlist
Would you re-enlist in a Civil War army for three years after serving for just three months and learning about the life of a soldier?

Grades 7-12: Cost of War
Were the outcomes of the Civil War worth the costs of battle, including the destruction and loss of life at Gettysburg?

🐼 Note: There is no cost to attend this event!

When: Wednesday, February 4, 2026, 6:00 PM - 9:30 PM

Where: Mohegan Sun Arena; 255 Highland Park Boulevard, Wilkes-Barre Township, PA 18702

Join PA Distance for an exciting night of hockey as the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins face off against their in-state rivals, the Hershey Bears! This thrilling matchup promises fast-paced action and a great opportunity to connect with fellow PA Distance families. Whether you're a die-hard hockey fan or just looking for a fun night out, we’d love for you to join us. Don’t miss this chance to experience the excitement of live hockey and create lasting memories with our school community!

🐼 Note: Tickets are very limited and are being awarded on a first-reserved-first-given basis! Each student is allowed to request up to 5 tickets (please, only request tickets if you know you can definitely attend as any unused tickets will be charged $10/ticket to your student's FLEx account).  Tickets and parking are free.