#ThisIsCheltenham
Friday, October 26
In this week's #ThisIsCheltenham news share, Cheltenham HS “Artivists” to perform at election-themed spoken word event, CHS Youth Court gains recognition, CBK Theatre returns home to present “The Frogs: A Modern Adaptation,” Jemma Bleu Greenbaum to star in 30+ performances of the Walnut Street Theatre’s “Matilda The Musical,” CE to be recognized with Montgomery Award, Wyncote F.A.S.T. “Glow Run,” district launches mobile app, Cheltenham Parents for Athletics inaugural meeting, coats for children in need, calendar reminders, 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.
Cheltenham HS “Artivists” to Perform at Election-Themed Spoken Word Event at Elkins Park’s Rose Petals Café
Four Cheltenham High School “artivists” will take the stage to contribute to ongoing political dialogue as part of the voting-themed “Election Vibes” spoken word event at Rose Petals Cafe in the Yorktown Plaza in Elkins Park on Thursday, Nov. 1 from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
“Bring your fire. Bring your rage. Bring your pen,” said CHS Poetry Club advisor and English teacher Avril Sommerville. “CHS slam poet artivists are ecstatic about displaying their art, scholarship and political convictions and adding to the national conversation around issues pertinent to them.”
The quartet of Dennis Hawkins a.k.a. Abodi jeane, Joi Richard-Summerville a.k.a. Joi, Clarence Clark a.k.a. ROii, and Khalil Byrd a.k.a. Lil' The Martian (pictured) are members of the CHS Poetry Club, and will perform for CHS students and families as the nation inches closer to election day. November’s election will be the first in which many of the students in attendance will be eligible to vote.
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CHS Youth Court Recognized by Pennsylvania Council for the Social Studies
Cheltenham High School’s Youth Court program was honored with a Pennsylvania Council for the Social Studies (PCSS) President’s Award for illustrating how a traditional civics class can be transformed into a model of restorative justice while making the social studies come alive. Social Studies teacher Jen Pollack accepted the honor at the 65th annual Pennsylvania Conference for the Social Studies on October 18. Cheltenham students and educators involved in the two youth court classes learn how the justice system works and then apply those lessons to helping shape the climate at their school. According to PCSS, “community partners and strong support from the School Board and school administration showcase a model program that every school in the Commonwealth might look to emulate.” Read more>
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CBK Theatre Returns Home to Present “The Frogs: A Modern Adaptation”
Join CBK Theatre on Thursday and Friday, Nov. 8 and 9 at 7:30 p.m. as students return to their own theater at Cedarbrook for the fall play, “The Frogs: A Modern Adaptation.” Tickets are $8 and can be purchased through the district's online payment center. Adapted from Aristophanes' classic satire, “The Frogs” is a hilarious and scathing look at highbrow and lowbrow art. If you have any questions, contact producer Noah Mallitz.
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Jemma Bleu Greenbaum to Star in 30+ Performances of the Walnut Street Theatre’s “Matilda The Musical”
Elkins Park sixth grader Jemma Bleu Greenbaum will make her Walnut Street Theatre (WST) debut this November through January, appearing as the lead character in more than 30 performances of Roald Dahl’s “Matilda The Musical.” Greenbaum will perform in half of the production run’s shows, mostly weeknights and a handful of matinees, splitting the title role with Philadelphian Ellie Biron.
Previews begin on November 6, with the show opening November 14 and running through January 6 on WST’s Mainstage. For discount tickets to evening performances, enter the promotional code JEMMAG when purchasing from www.walnutstreettheatre.org or the WST box office at 215-574-3550. Offer not valid for tickets bought through Ticketmaster. Read more>
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Cheltenham Elementary to Be Recognized with Montgomery Award for Planning and Design
Cheltenham Elementary (CE) will be recognized with a 2018 Montgomery Award from the Montgomery County Planning Commission on Wednesday, Nov. 14 at the Montgomery County Intermediate Unit in Norristown. CE is being honored along with the following projects: Centre Square Commons (Whitpain Township), Hallowell Elementary School (Horsham Township) and Lions Gate at Penn State Abington (Abington Township). CES is being recognized for its “green” planning and design, how the teachers utilize the outside space and design to impact what’s done in the classroom, and its partnerships with organizations such as the Audubon Club and Tookany/Tacony-Frankford Watershed. Read more>
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Wyncote F.A.S.T. “Glow Run”
Families from Wyncote Elementary participated in a “Glow Run” Monday evening held on school grounds and sponsored by Wyncote F.A.S.T. (Fitness After School Time). Check out this event video and watch until the end to see the finish line dance! Special thanks to all the parents who organized and participated in the event and thank you to kindergarten teacher Antonia Thomas for the images. Learn more>
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Staff Well-Being Workshop
CSD’s first staff well-being workshop of the school year was a huge success, according to Mindfulness Coach Cindy Goldberg. Workshop facilitator Shelley B. Goldberg led staff in a SoulCollage® experience helping participants feel a strong sense of connection and inspiration. Certified in applied positive psychology, Shelley Goldberg incorporated the PERMA model of positivity, engagement, relationships, achievement and meaning into this gathering.
The Jewish Exponent profiled 2004 graduate Ben Shechtman, who is working for social justice. Read more>
CHS junior Jacob Chase and his Eagle Scout project on educating the community about fire awareness and safety and why smoke and carbon monoxide detectors save lives was featured in the Times Chronicle. Chase distributed more than 200 smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to the community. Read more>
Calendar Reminders
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 Educational Affairs Committee Meeting
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Cheltenham School District Launches Mobile Application
The Cheltenham School District launched a branded mobile application by SchoolMessenger. The app is available for download to mobile devices in the App Store and Google Play. A collaboration between CSD Communications and Technology, the app brings an "all-in-one" solution to district families and staff and features "push" notifications for weather- and emergency-related closings and delays.
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Calling All Cheltenham Parents for Athletics
Whether you have an elementary, middle or high schooler or are an alumnus, if you have a passion for CSD athletics and facilities, mark your calendar for the inaugural meeting of the new parent/guardian group aiming to increase support of the Cheltenham School District’s athletic programs and students. The meeting's goals are to bring together people passionate about CSD sports, brainstorm ideas for supporting CSD athletics now and into the future and come away with concrete next steps. If you can't make the meeting and have suggestions or ideas, please email Terri Kelly, Brandi Millis or Carrie Peck.
Wednesday, Nov. 7, 7 p.m., CHS Room 143 (PBL space)
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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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This Week's Athletic Slate
Friday, Oct. 26
Football @ Wissahickon, 7 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 2
Boys/Girls Cross Country @ PIAA State Championships (Hershey, PA)
Football v. TBA (Round 1, District I 5A Championships)
Full fall sports schedules can be found at www.cheltenhampanthers.org.