March 23 Superintendent's Update
March 2023
Greetings Upper Moreland Community!
Though we could still see snow and colder temperatures in April, I think we have finally turned the corner into spring–at least that is what the daffodils popping up in my flower bed signal. And, of course, our outdoor sports fields at our schools and throughout our community are buzzing with student-athletes practicing and preparing for games.
Many of you may be wondering when we will officially know the last day of school for the 2022-2023 school year. We plan to officially communicate the last day of school by the middle of April.
March is Women’s History Month. As you will see from this month's highlight video, our students and staff spent time learning about and celebrating the many women who have contributed to our society. Which women do you admire for their contributions to the local, national, or global community? I applaud Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton for their work to earn women the right to vote in 1920, Sandra Day O’Connor as the first woman to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court in 1981, Sally Ride as the first American woman to go into space in 1983, and Malala Yousafzai as an advocate for girls’ education and winner of the Nobel Peace Prize at age 17.
Earlier this month, I had the opportunity to hear our own Jazz One band compete at the High School Jazz Band Showcase at the SteelStacks in Bethlehem. Upper Moreland’s Jazz One was one of only 5 bands invited to compete. Although I was impressed with the incredible performances by all bands, I think UMHS Jazz One was the best! I may be a bit biased. Kudos to Mr. Cowen and these dedicated young musicians for delivering such a great performance! It was a fantastic way to spend a Sunday afternoon.
Thank you for your continued partnership as families, staff, students, and the community. Our greatest strength for our students is in our work together.
Sincerely,
Dr. Susan Elliott
Superintendent of Schools
Registration is open for students of the Upper Moreland Class of 2036. Residents of Upper Moreland Township can register their child(ren) who will be age 5 on or before September 1, 2023. To register your child for kindergarten, please visit the Registration Section of our Website for more information.
We look forward to meeting our newest Golden Bears!
Warminster Road Closure Impacts
Beginning April 3, 2023, PennDot will be implementing a full road closure of Warminster Road between East Mill Road and Surrey Lane to allow for the demolition and reconstruction of the existing bridge over the Pennypack Creek. This closure and the subsequent detour is expected to last through the Summer and likely into Fall.
The closure will cause delays and require more travel time if you use Warminster Road. Our Transportation Department has notified all families that receive transportation in this immediate area if any changes have been made to bus stops or routes. It is likely we will need to make additional adjustments once the closure has taken place, as we cannot anticipate the volume of detoured traffic and congestion that will occur as a result of this construction project.
If you have any questions about your child’s bus stop or any potential changes as a result of this closure, please contact the Upper Moreland SD Transportation Department. We thank you in advance for your cooperation and patience as we respond to this road closure within our District.
Changes to COVID-19 Contact Tracing
On Tuesday, March 21, 2023 the Board of School Directors approved a revised Health and Safety Plan. This revision is due in part to a requirement by the federal government to review the plan every six months. As we have continued to do, the approved revisions to the Health and Safety Plan align Upper Moreland’s practices with the Montgomery County Office of Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
Based on this guidance, Upper Moreland will no longer require reporting or contact tracing of COVID-19 cases. If you or a member of your family have symptoms or test positive, please consult with your primary care provider and follow personal illness protocols you would follow for any other illness.
School Culture and Climate Survey
This year, a primary focus at Upper Moreland has been to improve the climate and culture of our schools to foster respectful, purposeful, and productive learning environments where all students feel safe, valued, and heard. This work has included clarification of expectations and lessons to understand how those expectations look and sound across our school campuses.
In November, we asked for your feedback on the progress of our work. Once again, we ask you to provide us with valuable input. On Friday, March 24, 2023 parents/guardians, staff, and students in grades 6-12 received a request to complete a survey to provide feedback. We will use this information to support our ongoing work and our plans for the 2023-2024 school year. The survey will close on Thursday, April 13, 2023.
Dates to Remember
- Tuesday, April 4: Committee of the Whole Meeting - 6:30 pm
- Thursday, April 6: NO SCHOOL: Students/Teachers Off
Friday, April 7: DISTRICT CLOSED
Monday, April 10: NO SCHOOL: Students/Teachers Off
- Tuesday, April 11: Policy Committee Meeting - 6:30 pm
- Tuesday, April 18: Legislative Board Meeting - 6:30 pm
March Highlights Video
Winter Sports Season Highlights
Student athletes completed their winter sports seasons earning both team and individual achievements. We are proud of all they have accomplished on the court, in the pool, on the track,
on the mat, and at the bowling lanes. Our student athlete’s notable achievements are listed below by sport.
Boys Basketball:
Earned 10th seed in PIAA District One Playoffs
Girls Basketball:
Won the Suburban One League Freedom Division Championship
Won the Freedom Division Sportsmanship Award
Earned 5th seed in PIAA District One Playoffs and a place at the PIAA State competition
Emily Faith Wood reached the milestone of scoring over 1,000 points
Boys Varsity Basketball
Girls Varsity Basketball
Boys Varsity/JV Bowling
Boys JV Basketball
Girls JV Basketball
Girls Varsity/JV Bowling
Girls and Boys Bowling:
Elex Weisman, Ryan Little, Sarah Olszewski, and Amanda DeLeone all qualified for bowling Regionals
Boys Bowling received the Suburban One League Team Sportsmanship Award
Boys and Girls Indoor Track:
Colin Graham competed at the state level at Penn State University and came in 8th place in the high jump
4x200 meter relay team of Brooke Lobban, Taylor Reynolds, Aniya Whitfield, and Morgan Fuller shattered their previous record and ran 1:46.09 to win the Kristian March Invitational at the Armory in New York
Brooke, Taylor, Aniya, and Morgan competed at the state level at Penn State University
Boys and Girls Swimming/Diving:
Michelina Soroka won the Suburban One League Freedom Division Championship, 2nd Place at PIAA District One Championship, State Qualifier, and Placed 5th at PIAA State Championships at Bucknell University
Sean Martinez won the 200 yd Freestyle at Suburban One League Championship
Ian Pervall won 1st Place in the 100 yd Backstroke at Suburban One League Championship, won 1st Place in the 100 yd Backstroke and 2nd Place in the 100 yd Butterfly at PIAA District Championships, and State Qualifier at PIAA State Championships at Bucknell University
Ian Pervall, Logan Holman, Sean Martinez, Kevin O'Brien earned 2nd Place in 200 yd Medley Relay at PIAA District One Championships and 12th Place at PIAA State Championships at Bucknell University
Ian Pervall, Logan Holman, Sean Martinez, Kevin O'Brien earned 12th place in the 200 yd Freestyle Relay at PIAA State Championships at Bucknell University
Sean Martinez earned 4th Place in the 200 yd Freestyle at PIAA District One Championships
Logan Holman earned 3rd Place in the 50 yd Freestyle at PIAA District One Championships and qualified for PIAA State Championships at Bucknell University
Ian Pervall, Logan Holman, Ian Kiernan, Kevin O'Brien earned 3rd Place in the 200 yd Freestyle Relay at PIAA District One Championships
Logan Holman earned 4th Place in the 100 yd Freestyle at PIAA District One Championships
The Boys Swimming/Diving team earned 3rd Place Overall in the Suburban One League and PIAA District One Championships
Boys Varsity/JV Swimming/Diving
Girls Varsity/JV Swimming/Diving
Wrestling Varsity/JV
Wrestling:
Maximus Stevenson: 114 Pound Suburban One League Champion
Michael Muncer: 121 Pound Suburban One League Champion
Collin Evanson: 127 Pound Suburban One League Champion, achieved 100th win and advanced to Regional Championships
Charlie Hogan: 133 Pound Suburban One League Champion and advanced to Regional Championships
Nick Ley: 152 Pound Suburban One League Champion
John Baker: 215 Pound Suburban One League Champion
The Varsity Wrestling Team won the Suburban One League Freedom Division Championship, for the 3rd time in school history.
Coach John DeFranco was named Coach of the Year for the Suburban One League Freedom Division
- Basketball: Jonathan Clark, Holly Gohl, Emily Faith Wood
- Bowling: Elex Weisman
- Wrestling: John Baker, Collin Evanson, Charles Hogan, Nicholas Ley, Michael Muncer, Maximus Stevenson
- Swimming: Sean Martinez, Ian Pervall
- Diving: Michelina Soroka
Winter Band and Indoor Guard Competitions
Our student musicians and guards have also neared the end of their winter seasons. They, too, have earned both team and individual honors for their performances. We are proud of all they have accomplished on stage. Their achievements are listed below by group.
Indoor Guard
For the first time in over 15 years, UMHS hosted 30 local color guards for “Guards in the Grove'' competition. Over 100 UM students and community members volunteered for the event.
High School, Middle School, and the 4th and 5th grade indoor guard teams proudly represented UM at "Guards in the Grove".
Indoor Percussion
Attended “Into the Jungle” and successfully earned 1st place in the Percussion Scholastic Concert A-Class with a score of 72.00, nearly 5-points over the 2nd place team.
Performed at the MAPS competition at Unionville High School on March 4th.
Championships are April 14th.
Jazz Band
The UMHS Jazz home show took place on March 3rd. Many bands competed, and professional musicians from the Philly Pops Orchestra played with different bands and gave the students feedback.
- Delivered a knockout performance at the preliminary round of the SteelStacks HS Jazz Showcase in Bethlehem, PA. Both Jazz One and Jazz Two earned recognition including Superior ratings, Best Trumpet Section award, Best Rhythm Section award, and Best Overall Jazz Soloist awards for Matt Pantos and Liam Ritter.
- Jazz Band was one of five bands chosen for the final showcase
on March 19th.
Spring Musical Productions
After months devoted to practicing scenes, rehearsing numbers, and building sets, the drama companies at both Upper Moreland High School and Upper Moreland Middle School performed fantastic spring shows. Middle school students presented "The Wizard of Oz", and the high school drama company presented "A Chorus Line: Teen Version". Thank you to all students, staff, community members, and parents who helped make our spring shows a huge success!
UMHS: "A Chorus Line: Teen Version"
UMMS: "The Wizard of Oz"
Upper Moreland Mini Thon - Raised over $12,000
The 11th Annual Upper Moreland High School Mini-THON was held on Saturday, March 4, 2023. The high school Mini-THON committee invited the UMMS Student Council to participate in the event. Approximately 75 students danced, participated in games, and engaged in other activities. They raised $12,673.95 for pediatric cancer research, treatment, and family support. The money is donated to the Four Diamonds, who support the Penn State Children's Medical Center through direct treatment, research, financial and emotional support for families whose child has been diagnosed with cancer.
During family hour, Madison Booz, a UM high school senior, spoke about the battle her brother, Christopher, fought before succumbing to leukemia, helping all present to understand the importance of the event.
Congratulations to the student committee, especially chairs, Skye Kramer, Allie LaRocca, Katie Slear and Emily Fay, for their hard work to make the evening memorable.
UMHS March Students of the Month:
Eliza Feil, Senior
We are proud to announce that Eliza Feil was selected as Upper Moreland High School’s March 2023 Rotary Club Student of the Month!
Nominated by her teacher Mrs. Meredith Fleck, Eliza is very involved in the Upper Moreland community. According to Mrs. Fleck, “...Whether it's on the soccer and lacrosse field/basketball court, in Key Club or Mini-thon, or at her after-school job, Eliza somehow balances it all and even excels because she is so devoted…”
Eliza is a senior at UMHS and a three-sport athlete participating in soccer, basketball, and lacrosse. She also participates in Key Club, National Honor Society, CPESA and FCA. Eliza is also the Mini-Thon Committee Chair of Design.
Eliza Feil has earned Distinguished Honor Roll, and her artwork has recently been featured in the “Touch the Future” Art Show at Montgomery County Community College.
Outside of school, Eliza serves as a Youth Elder at the Abington Presbyterian Church. She also participates in choir, bells, and youth group with her church. Eliza also works two jobs and babysits.
Angelina Makris, Senior
Angelina is a senior at UMHS and is being honored for her work in EASTERN’s Design, Photography, and Illustration program. “Angelina is smart, creative, patient, and kind,” said Nicole Abruzzi, EASTERN’s DPI program instructor. “She makes sure everyone in her class feels included and involved in class projects, and she is always willing to help a classmate.”
Angelina has always been interested in art. When she visited Design, Photography, and Illustration (DPI) at EASTERN’s 10th Grade Career Expo, she realized that there were many fun and unique career paths in the art field. At EASTERN, Angelina serves as the DPI class officer, participates in EASTERN’s student leadership organization, SkillsUSA, and received second place in the local Job Demonstration Competition in 2021.
As a junior, her design was selected by Dr. Cathleen Plesnarski, EASTERN’s Executive Director, and the administrative team as the school’s official holiday card.
Outside of school, Angelina enjoys working at Michaels Arts and Crafts in Abington, as well as babysitting, pet-sitting, and dog walking. After graduation from UMHS and EASTERN, Angelina plans to attend Montgomery County Community College, and then matriculate to a program to focus on animation and web design.
Widener University’s High School Leadership Award Recipient: Brooke Lobban
Brooke Lobban, Upper Moreland High School Junior, has received the Widener University High School Leadership Award. This award program is designed to recognize high school students in the region who have demonstrated leadership, stood up for what is right and made a significant difference in their communities.
Based upon this recognition, Brooke is eligible for a $20,000 scholarship to Widener University if she enrolls in their undergraduate program. Congratulations Brooke!
Upper Moreland Student Ava Cleary Earns Regional Concert Band Honors
Congratulations to Ava Cleary who has been selected to advance to the PMEA Region VI Concert Band on flute following her re-audition at the PMEA District 11 Concert Band Festival. PMEA Region VI represents the top echelon of concert band students from the 5 major southeastern Pennsylvania counties. The festival was held March 23-24 at Pennridge HS in Perkasie, PA.
In addition to playing flute and piccolo in our concert and marching ensembles, Ava is also the lead Baritone Sax player in our top HS Jazz Band.
What’s So Cool About Manufacturing
Congratulations to Mrs. Gleason's Global Innovations class from our middle school. They have just been awarded the "Outstanding Overall Program" Award for the "What's So Cool About Manufacturing" Video Competition for the Philadelphia Region. The students have been invited to participate in the state competition being held May 15th in Harrisburg. They will compete against 10 other regions for the "Best of PA" Award. Please join us in congratulating the following students on a job well done! Click on the video below to view.
8th Grade
James Anderley - Co-Video Graphic Creative Director
Julian Corbin - Camera Operator
Dylan Dinh - Co-Video Editor Lead
Austin Hiele - Music Composer
Ryan Mottola - Camera Operator
Ibrahim Sharif - Co-Outreach Lead
Sam Westhuis - Co-Video Graphic Creative Director
7th Grade
Harrison Bourgault - Sound Engineer
Amber Brown - Co-Outreach Lead
Daniel Darnesto - Co-Asset Manager & Video Editor
Hannah Gardner - Co-Producer
Eva Gorrell - Co-Producer
Myah Morales-Jones - Co-Creative Director
James O'Connor - Co-Asset Manager & Video Editor
Nate Sacco - Co-Video Editor Lead
Lucy Vogel - Co-Creative Director
Congratulations UMEF/UMEA Roar Award Winners
The Roar Award recognizes students in our schools who exemplify positive qualities which will help them become caring, responsible, and productive adults. Students are nominated by parents, staff, or community members.
FEBRUARY
The focus for the February Roar Award was “Planning & Good Decision Making”. Congratulations to the following students who were selected as finalists in the February UMEF/UMEA Roar Award:
- Primary School - Khloe Gardner
- Intermediate School - Peyton Monte
- Middle School - Javon Perez
- High School - Ryan Palm
- High School - Allison LaRocco
MARCH
The focus for the March Roar Award was “Kind”. Congratulations to the following students who were selected as finalists in the March UMEF/UMEA Roar Award:
- Primary School - Kane Weber
- Intermediate School - Liliane Hiele
- Middle School - Aiden Finstad
- High School - Bonnie Jean Thomson
- High School - Roman Clayton-Hopson
Congratulations 2023 Alumni Hall of Fame Inductees
The Upper Moreland High School Alumni Hall of Fame ceremony will be held on March 31, 2023. Established in 1996, the Hall of Fame was created to honor graduates who have demonstrated excellence in their chosen careers. As a district, we are proud to celebrate the accomplishments of UMHS graduates. They serve as a model for current and future high school students. All Upper Moreland Hall of Fame Inductees are featured on the UMHS “Wall of Fame” located in the high school lobby.
Stacey Britt Fitzgerald, Class of 2001
Studied Arts Administration and earned a Bachelor of Science from Wagner College
Global Creative Marketing Leader at Buzzfeed, Glamour magazine, Urban Outfitters, MECCA Beauty and New York Fashion Week
Developed & executed Fashion Week Goes Home
Developed numerous high-profile campaigns including the
Let’s Move! Initiative for the First Lady of the United States Michelle ObamaFounded Head of Brand for Santa, Inc
Volunteer for SAGE and RAISE fashion
Dr. Keith Hamilton, Class of 1998
Graduated first in his class at Franklin and Marshall College and is a member of their Athletic Hall of Fame
Graduated from the University of Pennsylvania Medical School
Completed Internal Medicine Residency and Infectious Diseases Fellowship at the Hospital of the University
Awarded highest teaching award for a fellow and the award for the most outstanding infectious diseases fellow
Established new clinical programs including mycobacteria like tuberculosis and leprosy
Recipient of the Penn Medicine Clinical Innovation Award and the American Academy of Dermatology Patient Care Hero Award
Katherine Klemp, Class of 1989
Earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Marketing from Stockton University
Graduated Cum laude from Seton Hall University, earning a Master of Human Resource Management degree
One of seven women to graduate with the 118th New Jersey State Police Academy Class
Advanced through the rankings within the Homeland Security Branch from Sergeant, to Sergeant First Class to Lieutenant
New Jersey State Police agency lead for the 57th Presidential Inauguration in Washington D.C.
Received two Unit Citations from the Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police for outstanding performance in complex
and sensitive investigations involving childrenMentor for future New Jersey State Police recruits
Eric J. Smith, Class of 1990
Graduated Summa Cum Laude with a B.F.A. from Rhode Island School of Design
Awarded the Joan Shewmon Memorial Scholarship for outstanding achievement in Graphic Design
Design projects for Oprah Winfrey’s Harpo Films, Lifetime Television and James Cameron’s “Aliens of the Deep”
Chief Creative Officer at EcoMedia where he produced The EcoZon Project
Work exhibited by National Geographic, the British Journal of Photography and the Los Angeles Center of Photography
Photographed a boater looking at his cell phone while a whale
surfaced, which went viral and was covered by news
organizations across the worldLaunched E. Smith Images LLC
Dr. Kathryn “Katie” Ziegler, Class of 1999
Graduated from Penn State University with a Bachelor of Science in Biology
Three sport athlete at Upper Moreland who went on to become an Academic All-American as a member of the Penn State University Softball Team
Graduated from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
Trained at Thomas Jefferson University/AI duPont Hospital for Children to become a Neonatal Intensivist
Earned an MBA from Temple University Fox School of Business
Serves as the Medical Director of the Neonatal Intensive Care
Nursery, which performs the most deliveries in the tristate areaSole female founding partner in True North Pediatrics
March 21st Board Meeting
On Tuesday, March 21, 2023, the Board of School Directors held their legislative meeting. Below are highlights of the Board action taken at the meeting. To review the meeting agendas, please visit the School Board section of our website.
The Board approved the K-5 Science Planned Course and curricular resources. This approval now completes the work of the District’s education department and science teachers to revise the curriculum to align to the recently adopted PA Science Standards.
The Board approved revisions to the District’s Health and Safety Plan. These revisions align with the CDC and the Montgomery Office of Public Health and eliminate the need for reporting positive cases of COVID-19 and contact tracing. Families, students, and staff who test positive or experience symptoms should follow the guidance of their family doctor.
The Board approved summer youth sports camps for football and basketball to be held at Upper Moreland High School.
The Board adopted the following policies: 918, 138, 253, 610, and 622. The Board also repealed Policy 133 as it is now replaced by Policy 138.
The Board approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the District and Upper Moreland Lacrosse Club for field turf use in the Spring of 2023.