#ThisIsCheltenham
Sunday, August 27, 2023
WELCOME TO THE 2023-24 SCHOOL YEAR!
Thank you for clicking through to the first weekly news share of the 2023-24 school year. We've been busy prepping our buildings to create and maintain the safest possible environment for your children and our staff. Below are a few headlines and resources to review before Monday. Let's have a great school year!
- Superintendent Dr. Brian W. Scriven's Back to School Message>
- First day dismissals: K-4, 1:15 p.m.; EP, 12:55 p.m.; CBK, 3:10 p.m.; CHS, 2:30 p.m.
- Back to School Nights: K-4, Wednesday, Sept. 6 @ 6 p.m.; EP, Thursday, Sept. 14 @ 6:30 p.m.; CBK, Wednesday, Sept. 13 @ 6 p.m.; CHS, Thursday, Sept. 21 @ 7 p.m.
Share your first-day photos on social media with #CSDFirstDay2023 and tag @cheltenhamsd to be featured on our social media. Take your photo to the next level by visiting cheltenham.org/firstday to download and print your child’s school and grade sign.
- District Social Media: For updates throughout the week, be sure to like/follow Cheltenham School District Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages, which can be found at @cheltenhamsd on those platforms.
Stephanie Junod (Andrewlevich) Appointed Principal at Cheltenham Elementary
With 24 years of experience as an administrator and teacher in the School District of Philadelphia, Stephanie Junod has been appointed principal at Cheltenham Elementary. The CSD Board of Directors confirmed her appointment at the Aug. 8 legislative board meeting, and Junod’s first day on the job was Monday, Aug. 14. Junod replaces Nicolas Perez who had served as principal since 2014. Read more>
Arcadia Students Help Glenside Teachers Prepare for the School Year
Nearly 40 student volunteers from Arcadia University’s Community and Civic Engagement Center (CCEC) gave a helping hand on Monday morning to Glenside Elementary teachers and staff in preparation for the beginning of the school year. Read more>
Rising Senior a New York Times Editorial Contest Round Four Finalist
Congratulations to rising senior Lydia Hessel-Robinson who earned a place in the round four finalists this summer in the 2023 New York Times 10th annual Student Editorial Contest with the editorial “Invert Your Perception of Introverts.” Hessel-Robinson, who was a student in Megan Hogan’s AP Language and Composition class, was one of 160 writers to be recognized.
This year, the NYT received 12,592 submissions from around the world on topics as varied as A.I., transgender rights, microplastics, autism, animation, women’s sports, the future of work, the teen fear of making phone calls and why American Chinese food deserves more respect.
Innovation in Education Podcast Back for Season Two
The first episode of this academic year's "Innovation in Education" podcast, “Artificial Intelligence in Education,” features Tami Flood, Kevin Murphy, Brian Reilly, and Matt Pimental of the CSD Department of Innovation. The four sat down to discuss the rise of artificial intelligence, its implications for education, ways teachers can leverage the power of AI, and a range of concerns for students, parents/guardians, and teachers. Download: Apple Podcasts | Podbean | Spotify
Picture of the week
Special thanks to the Glenside/Abington Rotary and its president Steve Vahey for the recent donation of almost 100 backpacks full of school supplies. CSD social worker Jen Mosher will work with building principals to distribute the backpacks to the district’s most needy families, but if your child is in need of a backpack, email jmosher@cheltenham.org.
Calendar Reminders
Monday, Aug. 28
- First Day of School - Schools dismiss at the following times: K-4, 1:15 p.m.; EP, 12:55 p.m.; CBK, 3:10 p.m.; CHS, 2:30 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 1
- Labor Day Holiday - Schools closed/offices open
Monday, Sept. 4
- Labor Day Holiday - Schools/offices closed
Wednesday, Sept. 20
- Early Dismissal - Schools dismiss at the following times: K-6, 2 p.m.; CBK, 1:30 p.m.; and CHS, 12:50 p.m.
Monday, Sept. 25
- Yom Kippur – Schools/Offices Closed
Cheltenham School District Calendar> | 2023-24 Academic Calendar> | CHS Athletics Calendar>
August Legislative Board Meeting
The CSD Board of School Directors convened for its first meeting of the school year on Tuesday, Aug. 8. Here are a few highlights:
- Stephanie Junod (Andrewlevich) was confirmed as principal at Cheltenham Elementary School. Read more>
- Dr. Scriven unveiled his plan for a Superintendent Student Advisory Committee. Learn more>
CHS New Parent/Guardian Meeting
CHS Principal Jimmy D’Andrea and members of his staff hosted a virtual meeting on Wednesday, Aug. 23 for new CHS parents/guardians. Review the slide deck>
Website Survey
As part of Cheltenham School District’s strategic plan and its commitment to providing the best user experience possible, CSD has recently launched a redesign of cheltenham.org. The primary goals in this redesign are to enhance usability, improve navigation, and create a more visually appealing and user-friendly interface. Feedback from our constituents is vital in this redesign process, and the district is anxious to receive your thoughts about what a new website should be. Kindly take a few moments to review the survey and provide us with your valuable feedback. Take the survey>
Cheltenham Communities That Care Newsletter
Being a parent is a rewarding experience! Like anything, though, it has its challenges. As children grow, their wants, needs, and moods change. They may try new things, push their limits, and take risks. For parents, this can be difficult to navigate and may raise questions. How can I relate to and effectively communicate with my child? How can we create a solid foundation that can not only be built upon, but can flourish as they get older? Read more>
Policy Committee
Committee meetings will be held in person at the Administration Building auditorium (2000 Ashbourne Rd., EP), and will be available at cheltenham.org/zoom. Review the agenda at https://go.boarddocs.com/pa/ctsd/Board.nsf/Public.
Tuesday, Aug 29, 2023, 07:00 PM
2000 Ashbourne Road, Elkins Park, PA, USA
Facilities and Finance Committee Meetings
Committee meetings will be held in person at the Administration Building auditorium (2000 Ashbourne Rd., EP), and will be available at cheltenham.org/zoom. Review the agenda at https://go.boarddocs.com/pa/ctsd/Board.nsf/Public.
Tuesday, Sep 5, 2023, 07:00 PM
2000 Ashbourne Road, Elkins Park, PA, USA
SEAC Meeting
Getting involved with SEAC provides the opportunity to connect with other parents of children who have disabilities or learning differences or receive special education services. Join us as we learn from each other, help plan events that educate others, and work together to advocate for our children. Learn more about SEAC>>>
Join via Zoom: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/5145131733?pwd=cndLWWw3UmlWemJWc1U0cExKcG9vZz09
Thursday, Sep 7, 2023, 07:00 PM
SEAC Back to School Family Playdate
SEAC invites you to bring the whole family down to Wall Park to meet other families of kids with learning differences or disabilities while our kids have fun together. All parents/caregivers and children are welcome! Please check in at the picnic pavilion when you arrive so we can all get to know each other.
Sunday, Sep 10, 2023, 02:00 PM
600 Church Road, Elkins Park, PA, USA
Legislative Board Meeting
Legislative meetings will be held in person at the Administration Building auditorium (2000 Ashbourne Rd., EP), and will be available at cheltenham.org/zoom and cheltenham.org/stream. Review the agenda at https://go.boarddocs.com/pa/ctsd/Board.nsf/Public.
Tuesday, Sep 12, 2023, 07:00 PM
2000 Ashbourne Road, Elkins Park, PA, USA
Senior Parent/Guardian College Application Night
Access this meeting via cheltenham.org/zoom.