Superintendent's Report
April 26, 2021
A Message of Inclusion & Acceptance
As we think about everything that has occurred over the last year, the pandemic undoubtedly dominates many of our thoughts and memories. Alongside the pandemic, though, we have seen great division and violence against people because of their identities, abilities, beliefs, skin color, who they love, and their perceived positions in society. We all have a responsibility to do all we can to bring forth a better world - not just for us and not just for the “now” - but for generations to come.
Today and always we must take the opportunity to celebrate our students, each other, and all of the unique gifts and perspectives, beliefs, and diversity we bring to Upper Dublin. Each of us has the ability to change the world. What we do each and every day sends messages to those around us. Let’s take every opportunity to make our District, our community, and our world a place where everyone is accepted and included and where diversity is valued and celebrated!
It is not our differences that divide us. It is our inability to recognize, accept,
and celebrate those differences. ~Audre Lorde
A Heartfelt Thank You
The Board will also take action to approve the resignation of Ms. Claire MacRae, a reading specialist at FWES who has been with the District for 34 years. Our reading specialists play a pivotal role in helping our students who are struggling readers not only learn to read - but love to read. We are grateful for Ms. MacRae's dedication to our students, and we wish her well in her next journey!
Welcome to the Nest
Following Dr. Hamer's appointment, we will schedule a time for him to meet the JTES staff. We will also ensure that Mrs. Place and Dr. Hamer will have some time to transition. While it is exciting to announce news like this, it's also bittersweet. We know that Mrs. Place is looking forward to retirement, more time with her grandchildren, and not making the long journey to and from work each day! Our District owes Mrs. Place a debt of gratitude for her leadership of JTES over the last 11 years. We will surely celebrate Mrs. Place many times between now and the end of the school year!
Cardinal Celebrations
Each year, the Upper Dublin Medals Program recognizes outstanding Upper Dublin community members including two UDHS seniors, a citizen, an educator, and a local business or non-profit organization. Initiated in 1985, the Upper Dublin Medals Program is a cooperative venture proudly presented by Upper Dublin School District, Upper Dublin Township, the Fort Washington Business Alliance and the Upper Dublin Education Foundation.
Mr. Schultz and I had the opportunity to meet with the six students selected as semi-finalists for the UD Medals. Nominated by the UDHS staff, all six students interviewed with the selection committee. Our two student winners this year are Peyton Kullmann and Aidan Pullian.
A few weeks ago, several members of our Leadership Team, along with Dr. Davis, had the opportunity to surprise Ms. Danielle DiPasquale and to congratulate her for winning the 2021 UD Medal for Outstanding Educator. Danielle teaches in both the English and Family/Consumer Sciences Departments.
The entire list of 2021 UD Medal winners is below. This year's recipients will be honored on May 19, 2021, at 7pm in a virtual event on UDSD's YouTube channel.
- Citizen - Vanessa Noble Good, posthumously
- Educator - Danielle DiPasquale
- Non-Profit Organization - Montco SAAC Meals on Wheels
- Students - Peyton Kullmann and Aidan Pullian
Important District Information
Budget & Finance Virtual Town Hall - The District will host a Budget & Finance Virtual Town Hall on May 4, 2021, 6pm.
During the event, we will review the proposed final budget and provide information about District revenue and expenditures.
Please click here to register for the event.
Click here to submit questions to be answered at the event.
Registration for the 2021-2022 School Year - Online registration for the 2021-2022 school year remains open. Click here for more information about registering for kindergarten AND grades 1-12. We are excited to welcome more cardinals to our nest in the upcoming school year!
Vaccine Clinic: Thank You - We express our gratitude to Wellness Pharmacy Services for their assistance with last Friday's COVID-19 vaccine clinic. Representatives from Wellness Pharmacy Services provided first doses of the Pfizer vaccine for hundreds of students who expressed an interest in receiving the vaccination. Second dose shots will be given on Friday, May 14, 2021, at Upper Dublin High School.
A Special Visitor
Dr. Steve Yanni
Email: syanni@udsd.org
Website: www.udsd.org
Location: 1580 Fort Washington Avenue, Maple Glen, PA, USA
Phone: 215-643-8800
Twitter: @UpperDubSuper