#ThisIsCheltenham
Friday, May 25
Welcome to the CSD weekly News Share — a District recap of the recent week's top stories, updates, initiatives and NEED TO KNOW INFORMATION. Do you know a community member who would like to receive this directly? Invite them to visit cheltenham.org and click on the eNEWS icon on the front page to register. #thisischeltenham
Lady Panthers Extend District 1 Track and Field Championship Streak to Six
The Lady Panthers continue to set higher and higher standards for themselves. The latest came over the weekend when they notched their sixth straight District 1 Class AAA Track and Field Championship at Coatesville. No other program - boys or girls - has ever won even five straight. Fighting the weather and slick conditions, the squad scored 66 points to claim the title and outdistance their nearest competition, North Penn (53 points) and Coatesville (47 points).
The girls are at Shippensburg University this weekend for the Pennsylvania PIAA Outdoor State Championships, where they will try to avenge finishing second by a half point to North Penn in 2017 and add to their 2015 and 2016 state titles.
Follow the team’s Twitter and Instagram handles @tracktownCHS for photos and results. Read more>
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Cedarbrook Wins PECO Innovation Challenge
On Tuesday, May 22, 12 Cedarbrook eighth graders won their division of the PECO Innovation Challenge at the Franklin Institute with their “Voices for 100 Percent Renewables” project. Part of the PECO Energizing Education Program, the annual Innovation Challenge engages students in exploring energy and seeking energy solutions for today and tomorrow and tasks them to develop energy-themed design projects.
A panel of STEM professionals judged the competition and were impressed with Cedarbrook’s project, in which students described their outreach event to educate the Cheltenham community about the negative impacts of fossil fuels and the urgent need to switch to renewable energy. Cedarbrook’s display included a model wind turbine to highlight one of the key forms of renewable energy in Pennsylvania.
The CHS Environmental Club also participated in the PECO Innovation Challenge after partnering with Ms. Patricia Ward’s first grade class at Glenside Elementary to create and install a vertical garden. Read more>
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EP Hosts Action-Packed Intergenerational Day
Elkins Park hosted more than 300 guests for its annual Intergenerational Day on Wednesday, May 23. The guests and 360 students participated in a myriad of fun activities like a photobooth, Decades Jeopardy, origami, bingo and badminton. Parents, aunts and uncles, grandparents and other special guests ate lunch in the cafeteria with their hosts and were treated to a concert that included “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star,” the theme to “Batman,” the choir’s singing the new school song and a performance by EP’s bucket drum ensemble, Thunder.
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Solar Car Racers Hit the Track
CSD had nearly 40 solar cars hit the track this past weekend for the Philadelphia Junior Solar Sprint at the Armory at Drexel University. Sponsored by the Philadelphia Solar Energy Association, the Sprint is an annual event in which fifth through eighth graders design, build and race model solar cars and maybe even inspire careers in math and science.
Facing seven schools and two afterschool programs racing about 30 cars, Cedarbrook students Zoe Matsinger and Rohan McInneshin and their car “You Better BeLeaf It” took first place in the Artistic Merit and Re-use Merit awards categories. Their first place Artistic Merit finish led a Cedarbrook sweep in the category, as Kaylee Brown, Maris Raisch and Gavin Frankenburg took second with their “Sunshine Car,” followed in third by Keith Robinson, Markel Easley and Julian Lukas’ “Battlebus.” Read more>
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EP Students Create Mindfulness Projects for Mindful May
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English Teacher’s Novel Named Finalist in National Competition
High School English teacher Molly Lazer’s inaugural novel, Owl Eyes: A Fairy Tale, has been recognized as a finalist in the Young Adult category of the 12th annual National Indie Excellence Awards (NIEA). Lazer’s novel spins the tale of Nora, who knows three things: she is a servant, her parents are dead, and she lives in the kitchen house with her adoptive family. Her world is torn apart when she discovers that her birth father has always been right there, living in the house she serves. Read more>
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Cedarbrook Girls Track Team Runs Away from Competition to Take League Title
Despite arriving just six minutes before the call for the first race and not having adequate time to stretch and warm up, the Cedarbrook girls track team hit the ground running and outdistanced their nearest rival by 76 points, en route to scoring 219 points and winning the Montgomery County Athletic Association Middle School Championship at Plymouth Whitemarsh High School on Wednesday, May 23. Of the 19 events, Cedarbrook girls placed first in nine; second in five; and third in three events, and amassed 17 medals. Read more> | Full results>
Stay Informed | Updates from the Central Office
The following information has been collected from CSD administrative departments and reflects updates on key programs, priorities and initiatives. Items specifically related to the progress of Cheltenham’s strategic plan, Five Pathways, One Destination, are noted along with specific plan pathways. Click to access the plan and a description of each pathway. Read the updates>
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Digital Citizenship and Internet Safety
The Departments of Innovation and Technology have collaborated to create an internet safety video for parents and students to remind them to think about their digital footprint and how to keep themselves safe online. This conversation about digital citizenship and internet safety has never been more important than it is in today’s ever-changing world. What we post can impact us in a positive or negative way as students and adults! Please view this video as a means to keep this important conversation going.
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Netflix Series “13 Reasons Why” Returns: Resources for Parents/Guardians
Last year, Netflix premiered the series “13 Reasons Why,” which strived to create an awareness and dialogue regarding the epidemic of suicide. The series captured the attention of youth across the globe and created countless discussions among teens and between teens and their families. Season 2 of “13 Reasons Why” was released this past Friday, May 18. News reports have indicated Season 2 doesn’t directly show depictions of suicide, though it does touch on sexual assault, substance abuse and gun violence. It is important for parents/guardians to have conversations with their children about these critical issues. Below, please find links for resources to assist with your conversations. Please know the district’s school counselors, social workers, nurses and psychologists are available to speak with you and/or children about these important issues.
Resources for parents/guardians
- Common Sense Media offers reviews and discussions content of a variety of media types to help parents/guardians determine appropriateness for their children
Hotlines and crisis supports
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be reached at 1-800-273-8255.
- American Foundation for Suicide Prevention contains a link for a suicide discussion guide based on the first season of “13 Reasons Why.”
- The Trevor Project offers suicide support specifically for LGBTQ youth.
- Depression: National Institute for Mental Health
- Anxiety: Anxiety and Depression Association of America
- Substance Abuse – Drugs: National Institute on Drug Abuse for Teens
- Bullying: StopBullying.gov
- Sexual Assault: RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) offers free 24/7 online chat and a telephone hotline.
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It's Official: Final Student Day June 20
Under the authority of Section 1504 of the "Pennsylvania Public School Code of 1949," the Department of Education has approved the District’s petition to increase its 2017-2018 Act 80 days by two, meaning the final student day will remain as scheduled on June 20, 2018.
See below for a rundown of important end-of-school dates:
June 14: High School Commencement
June 19: K-4 4th Grade Move up Day
June 20: Last student day, Elkins Park Move Up Assembly, CBK 8th Grade Promotion
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Start of School Year Reminder
Please note, Cheltenham School District kicks off its 2018-19 school year before Labor Day. First day of classes is Monday, Aug. 27, 2018. View Calendar>.
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Foundation Offers Innovation Grants for Cheltenham Teachers and Staff
Cheltenham teachers and staff are encouraged to submit applications for Cheltenham School District Foundation’s innovation grants by the Tuesday, June 12 deadline. This year, the Foundation looks to disperse more than $23,000 to make innovative and creative instructional programs designed to enhance and enrich the educational experiences of the students and staff in the Cheltenham community come to life. The multi-faceted Foundation grants initiative provides diverse program support, integrating and supplementing CSD’s regular instructional programs. Many of these programs provide unique approaches to learning. Some are offered outside of school hours and are separate from the curriculum and academic program. Apply now>
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Sports Physicals for 2018-2019
Sports physicals for the 2018-2019 school year should be completed on or after June 1, 2018, and will be effective, regardless of when performed through May 31, 2019. Students must submit their physical forms as soon as possible after May 31, preferably by August 1 if they want to participate in any fall sports. On the day the physical is completed, ask the physician to stamp Section 6 of the PIAA physical form. We will only accept the completed PIAA physical forms for participation in after-school athletic programs. Download physical form>
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Cheltenham Baseball Annual Marathon Game
The CHS Baseball team is hosting its annual marathon game on Sunday, June 3 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. at Cheltenham High School. Come cheer on the varsity and JV players as they participate in 100 innings of baseball at this family friendly event to raise money to support the program. Music, featuring CHS graduate DJ Dee-Square, raffles, bounce house, concessions, including ice cream, hamburgers, hot dogs and more! All proceeds support the CHS baseball program. Click to make a donation to the cause>
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Run the bases with Cub Club
Students in grades K-4 are invited to participate in Cheltenham’s next Cub Club event at Baseball’s annual marathon game on Sunday, June 3 from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Cub Club members will meet CHS baseball players and coaches run the bases in between games. Click to register your child(ren)>
For more information about Cub Club, contact Terri Kelly or Brandi Millis.