October '22 Superintendent's Update
October 2022
Greetings, Upper Moreland Families, Community Members,
and Staff!
As we reach the end of October, the leaves on trees throughout the district have started turning colors marking the season of Autumn. Our fall sports teams are reaching the end of their seasons, and the UM Marching Unit is nearing the end of their fall competition season. As November approaches, classroom teachers are preparing for parent-teacher conferences and the end of the first quarter at the high school.
We continue our focus on improving the climate and culture in our schools. At every building we review and practice expectations for a safe, respectful, and productive learning environment. In the next few weeks, we will ask parents, students, and staff to provide feedback on our climate and culture. We will use this feedback to inform our continued work and will also share the results with our school community.
Thank you for all that you continue to do, as partners, to support our focus on Upper Moreland’s climate and culture and our students' success.
Sincerely,
Dr. Susan Elliott
Superintendent of Schools
Mark Your Calendars: Upcoming Community Events
Stuff a Bus Event
We are excited to announce that we have planned a “Stuff a Bus Event” with Giant Foods in Willow Grove. The event will take place on Saturday, November 19th from 10 am to 2 pm at Giant in Willow Grove. Shoppers can purchase food items or gift cards and help load our bus. All donations will be used to support Upper Moreland families during the holiday season.
We look forward to seeing you at Giant on November 19th to help us
stuff the bus!
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Upper Moreland Community Wellness Resource Fair
On Wednesday, December 7, 2022, the district will host a Community Wellness Fair for families from 6:30-8:30 pm at the high school. Over 30 organizations and groups who provide services and resources to families will be present to connect with families. Several local food vendors will also be selling food for attendees. Food includes empanadas, mac & cheese, baked goods, hot chocolate, and soft pretzels.
We hope to see you at our Community Wellness Resource Fair on December 7th!
Proposed Comprehensive Plan Feedback Request
The Upper Moreland School District has developed a proposed Comprehensive Plan for 2022-2025. A steering committee representative of students, parents, community members, staff, and Board members helped develop the plan. The plan focuses on three key areas: school climate and culture, student success and well-being, and strengthening partnerships and community engagement.
We value your feedback and kindly ask you to use this survey to provide your feedback before Tuesday, November 15, 2022. To view a video presentation of the proposed plan and review all related documents, please go to the Comprehensive Plan page of our website.
Thank you for helping to set the future direction for Upper Moreland.
Dates to Remember
- Tuesday, November 1: Committee of the Whole Meeting - 6:30 pm
- Tuesday, November 8: Election Day: NO SCHOOL for Students; Staff Development Day
- Tuesday, November 15: Legislative Board Meeting - 6:30 pm
- Saturday, November 19: Stuff the Bus Event at Willow Grove Giant - 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
- Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday, November 21, 22, 23: EARLY DISMISSAL K-12
- Parent Teacher Conferences K-12
- Primary and Intermediate Schools dismissal at 11:45 am
- Middle and High School dismissal at 11:00 am
- Thursday/Friday, November 24, 25: DISTRICT CLOSED; Thanksgiving
- Tuesday, November 29: Policy Committee Meeting - 6:30 pm
- Wednesday, December 7: Community Wellness Resource Fair - 6:30 pm - UM High School
Donation from Staples
I extend a special thanks to the Willow Grove Staples for their recent donation of 1,008 school kits. Each kit includes the following items: (2) Expo Dry-Erase Markers, (1) Sharpie Permanent Marker, (2) Sharpie High-lighters, (2) Paper Mate Ballpoint Pens, (8) Paper Mate Wood Case Pencils, (2) Paper Mate Erasers, (1) Elmer's Glue Stick, and (1) Elmer's Liquid School Glue. These kits will support student learning in our schools.
Next time you go to Staples, thank them for their donation to Upper Moreland School District!
UMSD Property Tax Rebate Available
The Upper Moreland School Board has unanimously approved a revised property tax rebate program that will see a discount of up to $500 for certain homeowners. To qualify for the program, applicants must meet the following criteria:
Household income of no more than $35,000
Be 65 years of age or older; or
Be a widow or widower aged 50 years of age or older; or
Be permanently disabled and 18 years of age or older.
With several applications already processed and approved, eligible homeowners are encouraged to apply for the rebate before January 1, 2023. For more information, visit the Business Office page of our district website for more information.
2022 Boosterthon Raises Over $73,000
Thank you to all of our staff, students and families who helped make the 2022 PS & IS HSA Boosterthon and Fun Run a huge success! Your generosity allows the HSA to provide resources and activities for our schools. We raised $73,418 and will use these funds to provide the Primary School and Intermediate School with new equipment for their playgrounds and recess areas.
Your generosity allows the HSA to provide wonderful resources and activities for our school! We look forward to providing the PS & IS with new equipment for their playgrounds and recess areas.
Special thanks to the three classes that earned the most money. They are Ms. Holder’s kindergarten class, Ms. Keith’s third grade class, and Ms. Goldsworthy’s fourth grade class.
Tree Planting Ceremony at Intermediate School
The Upper Moreland Township Environmental Advisory Council donated a Willow Oak tree to Upper Moreland. On Thursday, October 6, 2022 student members of the E-Club at the UM Intermediate School planted a tree on school grounds. Special thanks to the UM Township Environmental Advisory Council for this donation.
Mini Thon Color Run 2022
On Saturday, October 8, 2022 - Upper Moreland High School Mini-THON sponsored a color run on the middle and elementary school grounds. Proceeds from the event went to the Four Diamonds Foundation, which is dedicated to fighting pediatric cancer. Thank you to everyone who participated in the event and supported the UMHS Mini-THON!
Music in Motion Band Competition
On Saturday, October 13, 2022 the Upper Moreland Marching Unit and Upper Moreland Music Patrons hosted the 54th Annual Music in Motion Band Competition. Seventeen bands, including our UM High School and Middle School units performed under the lights in front of a packed stadium.
Special thanks to the many volunteers who donated their time to make this night a success. Thank you to the businesses who donated food. Thank you to Mr. Cowen, Mr. Stahl, Ms. Penglase, and Ms. Hopp for their passion and dedication to leading our UM Marching Units!
Unity Day - October 19th
Each year schools across the country come together on the third Wednesday of October to take a stand against bullying and help others. Unity Day is the signature event of National Bullying Prevention Month. On Unity Day, students were reminded to unite for kindness, courage, and inclusion to prevent students from being bullied. At Upper Moreland, staff and students wore orange to show solidarity and a commitment to live more kind and compassionate lives.
UMHS October Student of the Month:
Sarah Olszewski, UMHS Senior
We are proud to announce the October 2022 Rotary Student of Month, Sarah Olszewski. Sarah serves as the Drum Major and Pit Section Leader for the Upper Moreland Marching Unit. Sarah is also a bassist in the UM Jazz Band and plays in the UM Pop/Rock Band.
In addition to her participation in the UM Music Program, Sarah is President of the Key club and captain of the UM Bowling Team. She is a member of the UMatter Club and member of National Honor Society. Sarah runs for the UM Track Team and works on the UM Morning Announcements Show. Sarah Olszewski also serves in her community. She volunteers for Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Warminster. Sarah is currently ranked 4th in her class. She demonstrates a strong work ethic both in and out of school. Sarah is also a good role model for others. Congratulations Sarah!
UMHS Senior Honored by College Board
Cory Brooks, UMHS Senior
Congratulations to our Upper Moreland High School Senior, Cory Brooks, who is one of 62,000 students from across the country to earn academic honors from the College Board’s National Recognition Programs! Cory has earned the National African American Recognition Award by meeting the criteria including having a GPA of 3.5 or higher and excelling on the PSAT/NMSQT, PSAT 10, or earning a score of 3 or higher on two or more AP Exams.
Recognition awards are presented to students who are African American or Black, Hispanic American or Latinx, Indigenous, and/or attend school in a rural area or small town. Eligible students are invited to apply during their sophomore or junior year and are awarded at the beginning of the next school year. These National Recognition Programs grant underrepresented students with academic honors that can be included on college and scholarship applications and connect students with universities across the country, helping them stand out during the admissions process. Colleges and scholarship programs use these honors to identify students from underrepresented groups through College Board’s Student Search Service.
Congratulations to our 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.
September Roar Award Winners
The focus for the September Roar Award was Compassion. Congratulations to the following students who were selected as finalists in the September UMEF/UMEA Roar Award: Emma Brett (UMHS), Catherine Trautz (UMMS), Emma Stone (UMIS), and Noelle Karpowich (UMPS).
October Roar Award Winners
The focus for the October Roar Award was School Engagement. Congratulations to the following students who were selected as finalists in the October UMEF/UMEA Roar Award: Katelyn Mottola (UMHS), Addison Leo (UMMS), Robert Oldfield (UMIS), and Connor Walker (UMPS).
National Honor Society Induction at High School and Intermediate School
The National Honor Society (NHS) was founded in 1921 and is based on four pillars: Scholarship, Service, Leadership, and Character. 11th and 12th grade students submit applications and must demonstrate outstanding performance based on those four pillars. A faculty committee reviews all applications and recommends successful candidates for induction to the NHS.
On Wednesday, October 26, 2022, the following students were inducted into the National Honor Society at Upper Moreland High School.
Seniors: Logan Holman, Kashian Jones, Skye Kramer, Matthew Pantos, Jesse Senegeto, Brian Smith, and Elex Weisman. Juniors: Melissa Afanador, Ava Cleary, Jackson Costello, Lilyani Dacosta, Emily Fay, Kira Gaul, Holly Gohl, Mikayla Hefner, Natalie John, Clare-Marie Kopan, Makenzie Leo, Brooke Lobban, Mackenzie Mason, Moira McNicholas, Cambrie Richmond, Maura Slater, Michelina Soroka, and Eowyn Stainback.
Congratulations to the students who earned this distinction!
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The National Elementary Honor Society (NEHS) provides students in grades four and five a place to develop and apply their passion for service to their school and community, while obtaining the skills to be confident young leaders for years to come. Eligible students have demonstrated scholastic aptitude and characteristics of a successful learner. A faculty committee considers student applications and recommends candidates for induction.
On Thursday, October 27, 2022, the following students were inducted into the National Elementary Honor Society at the Upper Moreland Intermediate School.
Harry Adams, Muhammad Ali Ahsun, Nazar Beseda, Sofia Corbin, Lucas Cummings, Katelyn Cummings, Jasmine David, Mia Donovan, Alena Duchenko, Michael Duncan, Kathleen Gilman, Luna GreenCook, Troy Isaac, Lucas Jastrzebski, Alana Johnson, Miles Kaufman, Talitha Lovelady, Bella Tran Ngoc Nguyen, John O’Halloran, Sophia Ojeda, Juliet Palumbo, Emma Rosenbaum, Ryan Smith, Lukas Solot, and Connor Townsend.
Congratulations to the students who earned this distinction!
Suburban One League: Girls Tennis
Congratulations to the Upper Moreland student athletes who have earned recognition in their respective sports this fall. Saige Croce and Alexis Podolyan placed second in the SOL Freedom Division tournament for girls’ doubles tennis. Alexis Podolyan placed third in the SOL Freedom Division tournament for girls’ tennis.
Saige Croce and Alexis Podolyan
Alexis Podolyan (left)
October 18th Board Meeting
On Tuesday, October 18, 2022 the Upper Moreland Board of School Directors held their legislative meeting. Below are highlights of Board action taken at the meeting.
The Board approved over $16,000 in donations to support Upper Moreland students. The donations included over 1,000 school kits from Staples totaling $5,040 and over $8,500 from the Upper Moreland Education Foundation to purchase equipment for the middle school science program.
The Board approved the administrative recommendation to hire Ms. Lauren Penglase as the district’s Cyber Academy Teacher.
The Board approved and adopted several policies related to personnel.