News from the Nest
Empowerment through Education
February 2019
From Dr. Yanni's Desk
Punxsutawney Phil did not see his shadow when he emerged from his burrow on February 2nd; therefore, as the legend says, we shall have an early spring! Even though faithful Phil is usually wrong, after last week's frigid temperatures, any hint of spring is welcome! Mother Nature's 1-2 punch of winter last week was not as bad as expected. As always, please remember that if we need to make schedule alterations due to inclement weather, we will do so as quickly as possible. Notifications will continue to be sent via phone calls, eNotifications, and social media. Local news sources are also alerted. While we hope to escape this season without too many interruptions to our calendar, winter months are still ahead of us.
Over the last month, several key administrators have announced their respective retirements. When one of the members of our nest decides to retire (or in the words of one of our colleagues "reinvents themselves") it is bittersweet. Last week we said a fond farewell to Eva Morrison, our Director of Curriculum. Eva served the District as a German teacher and a Curriculum Coordinator prior to assuming the Director of Curriculum role. She leaves us to take on a new opportunity, serving as Martin Luther School's Head of School in Plymouth Meeting. June 30th will bring three additional retirements. Brenda Jones Bray, our Chief Financial Officer, will enter retirement after a decade of dedicated service to the District. Brenda's leadership resulted in the District successfully emerging from the recession of 2008 and maintaining fiscal stability over the years. Tom Sigafoos, our Director of Human Resources, who served previously as Maple Glen Elementary Principal, will also retire. Tom's leadership has resulted in establishing and maintaining a collaborative working environment for everyone in Upper Dublin. Finally, Kathy Smyth, our Reading Coordinator, will leave us this summer. After years of service as a teacher and reading specialist, Kathy took on a leadership role that has helped teachers become better reading teachers and students become better readers. We wish all of our retirees well and know they will forever be Cardinals! We look forward to welcoming new administrators to fill these essential roles in the District.
Although we are entering the first week of February, planning for next school year has begun. In fact, today we welcome the parents and guardians of our incoming kindergarten students. In the fall we will welcome the class of 2032! Meeting new students and families is always exciting, and we look forward to introducing more students to our nest! Our budget season is also well underway. Ms. Bray, our Chief Financial Officer, has presented several aspects of our budget at recent committee and legislative meetings. We continue to refine our budget to ensure that we make the best use of every dollar on behalf of our students, staff, and community.
Please stay tuned to the District's website, eNotifications, and social media footprints to remain apprised of the wonderful things happening for our students.
My best,
Dr. Steve Yanni
Superintendent
Board Approves Calendar for School Year 2019-2020
As noted on the second page of the calendar, we will seek feedback from students, staff, parents/guardians, and families during the 2019-2020 school year to ensure that future calendars continue to support our educational philosophy.
Mark your calendars! Tuesday, September 3rd is the first day of school!
Focus on Student Safety - Safe2Say
Upper Dublin School District is committed to taking a comprehensive approach to the safety and well-being of our students and staff. With this in mind, we continuously review, revise, and implement District-wide safety policies and procedures. This month, as an additional proactive and preventative safety measure, we are rolling out the Safe2Say Something Anonymous Reporting System.
Over the next several weeks, every school in Pennsylvania will begin utilizing the Safe2Say Something Anonymous Reporting System. This program enlists the support of students, faculty, staff, and community members in helping to ensure a safe educational environment. It does so by encouraging the responsible and timely reporting of unsafe, potentially harmful, dangerous, violent, or criminal activities (or the threat of such activities) before they occur.
This new program was made possible with help from Sandy Hook Promise, a national non-profit organization based in Newtown, CT, formed after the school shooting at the Sandy Hook Elementary School in December 2012.
This anonymous reporting system will allow call center analysts at the Office of the Attorney General to receive and review tips, refer them to designated school contacts, and alert law enforcement as necessary. Tips can be submitted through an online website form, hotline phone number, or on a mobile app.
Mark Your Calendars
Join Us for a Fun Evening that Benefits our Students!
Monte Carlo Night
Please join Upper Dublin Township and the Upper Dublin Education Foundation at Monte Carlo Night, an evening benefiting Upper Dublin schools and local charities! Register for your spot online now through March 20th. To cover costs for this fun-filled community fundraiser, there is a suggested donation of $75 per person.
Saturday, Mar 23, 2019, 07:00 PM
Mercedes-Benz of Fort Washington, Pennsylvania Avenue, Fort Washington, PA, USA
Contact Information
Email: syanni@udsd.org
Website: www.udsd.org
Location: 1580 Fort Washington Avenue, Maple Glen, PA, USA
Phone: (215) 643-8400