#ThisIsCheltenham
Friday, October 12
In this week's edition of the #ThisIsCheltenham news share, EP fifth grade teacher publishes primary reader "The Black Crayon," CSD receives $20K school safety grant, musical theater makes the big reveal, college and career fair, national merit commended students recognized, calendar reminders, committee presentations, winter coat distribution to children in need, upcoming meetings / events, school and community flyers and much, much more.
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 page. If you know someone who would like to receive the weekly news share, direct them to the eNEWS icon at cheltenham.org to register.
EP Fifth Grade Teacher, Cheltenham Native Andrew Vassall Publishes “The Black Crayon”
Elkins Park fifth grade teacher and Cheltenham native Andrew Vassall has published his first book, the primary-level reader, “The Black Crayon.” According to Vassall, “The Black Crayon” is a colorful, vibrant and captivating story of a box of colorful crayons with one black crayon who struggles to be accepted. With the love of a little girl, Laila, the black crayon begins to see his inner beauty. This book teaches self-awareness and cultural awareness to young children. Published under the imprint First Edition Design Publishing, “The Black Crayon” is available on Amazon in paperback and Kindle versions and numerous other outlets. Read more>
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CSD Receives $20K Safety Grant from PA Department of Education
The Cheltenham School District has been awarded a $20,000 safety grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s Safe Schools program. The funds will be utilized to create and launch the district’s threat assessment team. The Department of Education doled out more than $1 million in safety grants to districts across the state in four categories: equipment grants, program grants, grants for school police officers, and grants for school resource officers. Read more>
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CHS Hosts 3rd Annual College and Career Fair
Cheltenham High School sophomores, juniors and seniors had the opportunity to weigh their post-secondary options with a broad array of organizations at the third annual CHS College and Career Fair this Thursday. Representatives from more than 50 two- and four-year colleges, trade schools and gap year, military, service and work ready programs were in attendance. Representatives from Millersville’s Integrated Studies and the ASPIRE program from Saint Joe’s Kinney Center participated, marking the first time Life Skills students (below left) had the opportunity to connect with college representatives about their futures.
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The Big Reveal
The Cheltenham Touring Ensemble debuted its show “Seize the Moment” on Sunday, Oct. 7, and director Jenny Hutton announced this spring’s 56th annual musical theater production, the Tony Award-winning “Urinetown.”
The ensemble performed 10 songs, including “Where or When,” Suddenly” and “Love me Now.” Soloists included Ava Angelettie, Ivy Austin, Sarah England, Miles Fodor, Naomi Guth, Jordan Hood, Roy Nussbaum, Jazire Parker and Natalie Pomerantz. View highlights>
Hutton’s announcement of “Urinetown” drew strong, positive reaction from the packed house in Stretton Hall. The high school’s 56th annual musical theater production, the darkly comic meta-musical “Urinetown” will run April 11 - 13.
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CHS National Merit Commended Students Announced
Congratulations to six CHS seniors for earning National Merit Commended Scholars recognition. Approximately 1.5 million high school students take the PSAT each year. Of those, 50,000 (3.3 percent) are Commended Scholars. Although Commended Students do not continue in the competition for National Merit Scholarships, some of these students do become candidates for special scholarships sponsored by corporations and businesses. CHS Guidance Department Coordinator Lori Cohen urged each commended student to add this significant recognition to their college applications. From the left: Brennon Paik, Liam McNally, Jason Cornelison, CHS Principal Ray McFall, Austin Chao, Alana Margerum and Ester Paik.
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Instant Decision Days
This fall, students who meet the specific criteria and deadlines have the opportunity to meet one-on-one with admission counselors from participating college or university as part of Instant Decision Days. Following the interview, the admission counselors will either offer admission to that institution or provide tips to increase students’ chances in the regular decision application process. Delaware State University pays a visit to the high school on Thursday, Oct. 18 at 11 a.m. Students can register online> | More information and a list of participating institutions of higher education>
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CHS Lady Panthers Alumnae Basketball Game - Save the Date: January 5, 2019
Calendar Reminders
Monday, Oct. 15: Schools are closed for teacher professional development.
Tuesday, Nov. 6: Schools are closed for Election Day. Teachers will report for professional development.
Monthly early dismissals have been moved from the third Wednesday of the month to the second Wednesday of the month. The District has early dismissal on Wednesday, Nov. 14. Schools will dismiss at the following times:
- Cheltenham High School | 1:30 p.m.
- Cedarbrook Middle School | 2:10 p.m.
- Elkins Park School | 2:40 p.m.
- K – 4 Schools | 2:45 p.m.
Monday, Nov. 19: K-8 schools will dismiss early for parent-teacher conferences at the following times:
- Cedarbrook Middle School | Noon
- Elkins Park School | 1 p.m.
- K – 4 Schools | 1 p.m.
Tuesday, Nov. 20: K-8 schools are closed for parent-teacher conferences.
Wednesday, Nov. 21: All schools will be closed for parent-teacher conferences.
Thursday, Nov. 22: All schools will be closed for the Thanksgiving break
Friday, Nov. 23: All schools will be closed for the Thanksgiving break.
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Stay Informed: October Financial Affairs Committee Meeting
The October 2 Financial Affairs Committee meeting offered an overview of the 2019-20 budget process, which included the budget timeline, a historical look at the Act 1 Index and a preliminary budget outlook. The next meeting is Tuesday, Nov. 13 following the Facilities Committee meeting and is open to all Cheltenham township residents. View the presentation>
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Stay Informed: October Facilities Committee Meeting
During the October 2 Facilities Committee meeting, a facility benchmarking presentation was provided along with a presentation on design team concept.The next meeting is Tuesday, Nov. 13 at 7 p.m. at the administration building and is open to all Cheltenham township residents. View the presentation>
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Stay Informed: September Policy Committee Meeting
At its September 26 meeting, the Policy Committee discussed policy and AR 202, AR 225, policy and AR 828, policy 006, and policy and AR 808. The next meeting is Wednesday, Oct. 24 at 8 a.m. at the administration building and is open to all Cheltenham township residents. View the presentation>
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Student Services Partners with CARing for Kids Foundation to Distribute Winter Coats
The CSD Office of Student Services has partnered with the Auto Dealers CARing for Kids Foundation to distribute up to 150 news coats, children’s small to adult large, to children in need. The effort is part of the eleventh annual Driving Away the Cold program, which involves approximately 180 local auto dealers teaming up for the greater good. All told, the foundation will give away a record 51,696 through this program. If you or someone you know are in need of a winter coat please contact Home and School Social Workers Jen Mosher (215-881-6331) or Jessica Keene (215-517-1344).
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World Mental Health Day
CSD recognized World Mental Health Day on Wednesday, Oct. 10 with a social media push that included the World Health Organization’s broad overview of adolescent mental health and a summary of the district’s programs and personnel dedicated to supporting mental health. Learn more>
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This Week's Athletic Slate
Saturday, Oct. 13
Boys Varsity Cross Country @ Manhattan Invitational (Van Cortlandt Park, Bronx, NY)
Monday, Oct. 15
Girls Varsity Volleyball v. North Penn, 3:30 p.m.
Girls Varsity Field Hockey v. Springfield, 3:30 (Senior Day)
Tuesday, Oct. 16
Girls Varsity Field Hockey @ Abington, 3:30 p.m.
Boys Varsity Soccer v. Springfield, 3:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Oct. 17
Girls Varsity Volleyball v. Plymouth Whitemarsh, 3:30 p.m.
Thursday, Oct. 18
Girls Varsity Soccer v. Abington, 3:30 p.m.
Girls Varsity Volleyball v. Quakertown, 3:30 p.m.
Boys Varsity Soccer @ Abington, 7 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 19
Boys/Girls Cross Country @ Suburban One Championships (Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA)
Football @ Upper Moreland, 7 p.m.
Full fall sports schedules can be found at www.cheltenhampanthers.org.