#ThisIsCheltenham
Sunday, May 17, 2020
In this week's edition of #ThisIsCheltenham, Cheltenham School District (CSD) and Cheltenham Educators’ Association (CEA) enter Into new labor agreement, CHS announces Class of 2020 commencement plans, CBK students recognized for distance learning success, and retirees honored.
"In the News" features Fox29 reporting on the CHS commencement plans, and a story in the Philadelphia Inquirer about the new CEA contract.
"Need to Know Info" includes calendar reminders about the end of the school year, CSD coronavirus update from superintendent Dr. Marseille, May legislative board meeting video, yearbook update, recreational facilities closure, grab-n-go meal bag distribution, and coronavirus updates.
"Upcoming Meetings/Events" features information about upcoming virtual committee meetings, virtual fifth grade orientation and flyers.
To update your contact information, visit www.cheltenham.org/updatemyinfo. For updates throughout the week, be sure to visit cheltenham.org or the Cheltenham School District Facebook, Twitter or Instagram pages. If you know someone who would like to receive the weekly news share, direct them to the eNEWS icon at cheltenham.org to register.
Cheltenham School District and Cheltenham Educators’ Association Enter Into New Labor Agreement
ELKINS PARK, Pa. (May 12, 2020) – The Cheltenham School District (CSD) Board of School Directors and Cheltenham Educators’ Association (CEA), the school district’s teachers union, have come to agreement on a three-year contract. After the CEA’s weekend contract ratification, the board approved the contract this evening at its May legislative meeting. The eight board members present unanimously approved.
“I am pleased we have reached a responsible, reasonable and fair contract,” said CSD Board President Julie Haywood. “This contract strikes an important balance between our fiscal realities and the burden of increasing taxes on our residents during a time of extreme uncertainty. We have honored the sacred role of teachers, upheld our fiduciary responsibility to our residents, and kept our students’ intellectual and emotional growth, well-being and needs front and center. We are all in this together, as we move forward to face the challenges ahead.”
The agreement, retroactive to July 1, 2019, and running through June 30, 2022, includes annual salary increases of 2%, 2.94%, and 2.58% for teachers, in addition to a restructuring of the salary matrix, and changes to the healthcare benefits package, which resulted in significant savings for the district. Read more>
***
Plans for Class of 2020 Commencement
Dear CHS Families,
On March 9, 2020, we left Cheltenham High School not knowing the impact of the coming pandemic or that our staff and students would not be together for the remainder of the school year. In addition to the loss of any sense of normalcy for our students and staff, all of our traditions were also stripped away. One of the biggest high school milestones is marching into commencement against a backdrop of “Pomp and Circumstance,” hearing your name called and walking across the stage in cap and gown to receive your diploma. What a thrill to hear your friends and family scream your name in jubilation.
While on its surface, “commencement” is about finishing your secondary educational experiences, the term means “to begin,” and, in this case, we celebrate the receipt of the final declaration of transition to the next phase of your life. We simply can’t deny our seniors some semblance of that magical experience. That said, we have created a celebration to capture as much of the “traditional” graduation elements as possible, while keeping the health and welfare of our students top of mind. Social distancing guidelines will be observed and staff will wear face coverings.
***
CBK Students Recognized for Distance Learning Success
Cedarbrook’s 8A team gave a shout out students who have turned in every single one of their distance learning assignments.
***
Retirees Honored
Congratulations and thank you to Cheltenham School District teachers and staff celebrating their retirement from the district this spring. The following were recognized at the Tuesday, May 12 legislative board meeting:
Cheltenham High School
- Paula Brooks – 23 years
- David Wisch – 22 years
Cedarbrook Middle School
- Marcia Hockfield - 5 years
- Ureatee Bacon – 13 years
- Robert Graham – 34 years
Elkins Park School
- Linda Jephson – 26 years
- Wanda Roberts – 16 years
- John Patton – 20 years
- Helen Ward – 33 years
- Nancy Batchelor – 34 years
- Aldo Braccia – 23 years
- Susan Ohrt – 33 years
- Cheryl Wimsey – 21 years
Wyncote Elementary
- Detria Abdulmajid – 14.5 years
- Lisa Mohl – 20 years
- Brenda Ruttenberg – 21 years
Administration
- Maureen Jennis – 26 years
Calendar Reminders
Below are the final days of the 2019-2020 school year for students and teachers:
- Seniors: Wednesday, May 27
- K-11: Monday, June 15
- Teachers: Wednesday, June 17
For more events, visit the Cheltenham School District Calendar>
***
CSD Coronavirus Update from Superintendent Dr. Marseille 5-15-2020
Dear Cheltenham Families and Staff,
Every letter I have submitted to you during this pandemic has begun with the standard, “I hope this email finds you doing well … ” While that salutation is 100 percent sincere, I’m not immune to the notion that many of you are experiencing significant social and economic pain. Uncertainty and doubt are breeding grounds for emotions that shape our outlook on ourselves and families. I hope you are in a good place.
Thursday night, administration was made aware of a family experiencing the greatest loss imaginable – the loss of a child. A beloved senior full of vigor, excitement and love passed away unexpectedly. The loss for this family and for our students and faculty who had the pleasure of calling this student a “classmate,” “friend,” or “sister” is unimaginable. Our collective hearts and prayers go out to the family, and as neighbors, we are hurting for you. Last night, I hugged my daughter a little tighter and reminded her how much I love her. I am reminded of the African proverb, “The laughter of a child lights up a house,” and become overwhelmed at the thought of this family’s desire to hear their child laugh and light up their home just one more time.
***
"Healthy Thoughts" Newsletter from the CSD Nurses
***
May Legislative Board Meeting
The May legislative meeting of the Cheltenham School District Board of School Directors convened in a Zoom seminar room on Tuesday, May 12. Highlights included recognition of this year's retirees and announcement of new contract between the board and teachers union. View the meeting>
***
Yearbook Update
The publisher producing this year's yearbook is experiencing COVID-19 shutdown-related delays and is estimating yearbooks will be delivered in late June. Yearbook distribution information will be sent once a delivery date is confirmed. Please contact Candy Manning or Angelique Cupit with any questions.
***
Recreational Facilities Closure
In an effort to keep our community healthy and prevent the spread of coronavirus, all CSD recreational facilities, including playgrounds, basketball and tennis courts, open fields and tracks will be closed until further notice. Signs have been posted and caution tape and locks have been applied.
***
Grab-n-Go Meal Bag Distribution
The Cheltenham School District is proud of its commitment to assisting its most in-need families and will continue its distribution of grab-n-go meal bags on Wednesday, May 20 from 10 a.m. - noon at the Administration Building (2000 Ashbourne Rd., Elkins Park). All grab-n-go meal bags contain enough food for several days. The district has partnered with its food services sub-contractor Chartwells to pack the bags (while maintaining proper social distance), and so far, about 15,000 meals have been distributed. To those wishing to contribute gift cards to the effort, thank you in advance. Please connect with director of student services Dr. Cheryl Horsey. For families facing food insecurity, see the MontCo Anti-Hunger Network's list of food pantries>
***
Coronavirus Updates
Families and staff interested in the latest school district updates regarding coronavirus should visit www.cheltenham.org/coronavirus. The page is updated on a regular basis with information from the continuity of education plan and grab-n-go meal bag distribution information to social-emotional health information and updates from the superintendent and office of education. Read more>
Virtual Educational Affairs Committee Meeting
The May Educational Affairs Committee meeting will be virtual. Join the meeting and pose questions through the Q&A interface at www.cheltenham.org/zoom.
Meeting will also be available at Cheltenham.org/stream, Comcast Ch. 42 and Verizon Ch. 1960.
Agenda
Reading Series
Tuesday, May 19, 2020, 06:30 PM
undefined
Virtual Policy Committee Meeting
The May Policy Committee meeting will be virtual. Join the meeting and pose questions through the Q&A interface at www.cheltenham.org/zoom.
Meeting will also be available at Cheltenham.org/stream, Comcast Ch. 42 and Verizon Ch. 1960.
Agenda
Equity
Curriculum Review by Parents and Students
Exemption from Instruction
Adoption of Textbooks
Adoption of Supplemental Textbooks
Outside Activities
Public Complaints
Service Animals
Curriculum Materials Review
Wednesday, May 27, 2020, 07:00 PM
undefined
Communications Committee Meeting
The May Communications Committee meeting will be virtual. Join the meeting and pose questions through the Q&A interface at www.cheltenham.org/zoom.
Meeting will also be available at Cheltenham.org/stream, Comcast Ch. 42 and Verizon Ch. 1960.
Agenda
TBD
Thursday, May 28, 2020, 07:00 PM
undefined
Virtual 5th Grade Parent Orientation
Access the meeting at cheltenham.org/zoom.
Wednesday, Jun 3, 2020, 07:00 PM
undefined
Virtrual 5th Grade Parent Orientation
Parents of rising fifth graders from Glenside and Wyncote Elementary are invited to participate in a virtual orientation with administration from the Elkins Park School.
Access the meeting at cheltenham.org/zoom.