#ThisIsCheltenham
Friday, April 6
Welcome to the CSD weekly News Share — a District recap of the recent week's top stories, updates, initiatives and NEED TO KNOW INFORMATION. Do you know a community member who would like to receive this directly? Invite them to visit cheltenham.org and click on the eNEWS icon on the front page to register. #thisischeltenham
Community Conversation on School Safety and Security | April 17 | Cheltenham High School
Ensuring the safety and well-being of students and staff has always been a top priority for the Cheltenham School District. In light of the national conversation surrounding school safety, the community is invited to a panel discussion on CSD school safety and security measures on Tuesday, April 17, 7-8:30 p.m., in the Little Theatre at Cheltenham High School (500 Rices Mill Road, Wyncote) with District, Cheltenham Township and Montgomery County officials. The agenda will include a review of the district’s safety and security measures, precautions, protocols and school-wide drills. If you'd like to submit questions for the panelists, please do so at schoolsafety@cheltenham.org.
It can be challenging to find the right words when talking to children about tragic events. Please take a moment to review the resources below that can be used when engaging in such conversations:
American Psychological Association How to Talk to Children About Difficult News
Department of Education Tips for Helping Students Recovering From Traumatic Events
National Association of School Psychologists Talking to Children About Violence
Substance Abuse and Mental Services Administration Tips for Talking With and Helping Children and Youth Cope After a Disaster or Traumatic Event: A Guide for Parents, Caregivers, and Teachers
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Senior Earns National “Aspirations in Computing” Award
For her founding of a Cheltenham High School’s Girls Who Code chapter and involvement in the school’s FIRST Robotics team, senior Gianna Williams has been recognized as one of 41 nationwide recipients of the 2018 Aspirations in Computing (AiC) award from National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT). In the photo, Williams (center) accepts the award from Lucy Sanders, NCWIT CEO and co-founder (left), and Leigh Avery, Bank of America Assistant Vice President (right).
The only recipient in Pennsylvania, Williams and her fellow winners received various prizes, cash and a trip to Bank of America headquarters in Charlotte, North Carolina, for an awards ceremony and networking opportunity in March. She was honored for her accomplishments at a ceremony earlier this week at the University of Pennsylvania. Read more>
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Tickets on Sale for Spring Production “Once on This Island”
The 55th annual production of Cheltenham Music Theater, "Once on this Island" is a timely revival of a current Broadway show. The story follows Ti Moune (freshman Casey McLaughlin), a peasant girl in the Antilles, who falls in love with Daniel Beauxhomme (sophomore Immanuel Rimmer), after she rescues him from a car crash. Four gods, Asaka (sophomore Sarah England), Agwe (junior Matt Ryan), Erzulie (senior Maddie Coutts) and Papa Ge (senior Isaiah Hughston), guide Ti Moune as she is separated from Daniel and his wealthy culture on the other side of the island. This vibrant production filled with colorful Caribbean rhythms and dance, depicts a storm-ravaged, divided island as it transforms to a place of hope and beauty. Once on This Island tells the story of love’s triumph over prejudice and hate. Recommended for ages 8 and up. Based upon Rosa Guy's novel My Love, My Love; book and lyrics by Lynn Ahrens; music by Stephen Flaherty. For more information, visit cheltenhammusictheatre.org.
Thursday - Saturday, April 12-14, 7:30 p.m.
Cheltenham High School, Stretton Hall
$12 reserved seating, $8 students and children
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Gridder Represents CHS at Global Ambassadors Bowl in Italy
Panthers Football captain Jordan Gyabaah is representing Cheltenham this week on Team Stars & Stripes in the 11th annual Global Ambassadors Bowl in Italy. Gyabaah, a senior, was selected to participate alongside other senior student-athletes from Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Ohio and Pennsylvania. Players from Southeastern Pennsylvania schools Penn Charter, Springside Chestnut Hill Academy and Father Judge were also selected to participate. Read more>
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Panther Baseball Sweeps through Florida
Coach Craig Stein led Panthers Baseball on 4-0 spring break trip through Florida, March 26-29. Nearly 20 varsity and junior varsity players fine tuned their swings in the batting cages and video pitching simulators and practiced their glove work on the top-notch practice fields at Cocoa Beach Expo Center, the former spring training site of Major League Baseball's Houston Astros and Florida Marlins. Read more>
The Panthers next home game is scheduled for Saturday, April 7 at 1 p.m. versus the Jenkintown Drakes. View full schedule>
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Office of Innovation Lunch and Learns Visiting “Virtually” Every District Classroom
On Friday, March 16 and Monday, March 18, Elkins Park and Glenside students learned about augmented reality and virtual reality (AR/ VR) and their differences at the Office of Innovation’s Student Lunch & Learn Series. Through the presentation of Brandon Lutz, Supervisor of Instructional Technology and Data Analysis, and Lisa Rock, Technology Staff Developer, students saw the Northern Lights and visited a few Washington museums via VR. They also 'caught' letters to make words and created some "new friends" on the AR apps. Utilizing Google Expeditions and Google Cardboard, students visited many famous places, including China's Great Wall. Lutz and Rock, who will have presented at all District elementary schools and Elkins Park School by next week, have developed age-specific presentations featuring the latest technology that also include drones and Sphero SPRK robots. The sessions include a short presentation/video while the students eat their lunches. After the presentation and a short discussion, the students get hands-on time with the technology.
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Sophomore Wins Zeta Iota Iota’s Talent Hunt Competition
Singing “I’d rather go blind” by Etta James, CHS sophomore Nila Anthony took first place in the vocal category and won the entire competition at Zeta Iota Iota’s (ZII) Talent Hunt qualifying competition on March 31 at Philadelphia's Universal Audenried Charter High School. Winning the competition qualifies her to represent the ZII chapter at Omega Psi Phi’s Second District Talent Hunt competition April 28 at Baltimore’s Hippodrome Theatre, where she will compete against other winners from more than a dozen chapters representing the states of Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania. Read more>
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Banner Sisters Celebrate Gold and Silver Keys from Scholastic Art Awards
It’s been a banner awards season for CHS sisters Rachel and Rebecca Banner who won big at this spring’s Scholastic Art Awards. Rebecca, a junior, received a Gold Key for her pottery “Shattered Sphere” (above), while sister Rachel, a senior who is planning to study art in college, received seven Silver Key awards. Read more>
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Start of School Year Reminder
Please note, Cheltenham School District kicks off its 2018-19 school year before Labor Day. First day of classes is Monday, Aug. 27, 2018. View Calendar>.
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2018 PSSA Schedule and Guide
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K-12 Early Dismissal | Wednesday, April 18
Elementary School - 2:45 p.m.
Elkins Park School - 2:37 p.m.
Cedarbrook - 2:03 p.m.
CHS - 1:25 p.m.
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Kindergarten Registration
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Stay Informed | Educational Affairs Committee
The Educational Affairs committee met on Wednesday, April 4 at the Administration building. This meeting was rescheduled from March 20 and featured three presentations: class rank, Special Education's plan for July 2018 - June 2021 and a proposal for a new two-hour early dismissal. The next Ed Affairs meeting is Tuesday May 15 at 6:30 p.m. at the Administration building and is open to all Cheltenham residents. See full presentations>
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Township Spring and Summer Recreation Program Registration
A terrific lineup of classes, programs and special events is featured in the new Cheltenham Township Parks and Recreation Spring & Summer Brochure. Favorites include the Daddy Daughter Dance, Concerts in the Park and the Summer Teen Enrichment program. Beginning this year, the Pool program will begin on Memorial Day, Summer Playground program will offer “Before Care” starting at 8 a.m., Adult Softball has gone co-ed and kids and adults can broaden their culinary know-how in new specialty cooking camps. Registration for all programs is accepted at La Mott Community Center (215-635-3255) and Rowland Community Center (215-379-2233), Monday - Friday from 9 a.m. - noon and 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. Evening hours are available.
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Once Upon a Playground Playground Fundraiser
Support repairs and maintenance to the Once Upon a Playground at Wall Park by purchasing a personalized, engraved fence picket. Donations are managed through the 501(c)3 Cheltenham Township Community Development Corporation. Download brochure> | Donate now>